Morbidity pattern and health-seeking behavior among elderly population in rural area of district Barabanki: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Aging is a universal and inevitable process of life. Elderly people are the most vulnerable group in terms of their health. In India geriatric-aged population is increasing day by day. Understanding the morbidities and health-seeking behavior of the elderly is essential for strengthening geriatric health-care services delivery. Objectives: The objectives of the study were (1) to assess the morbidity pattern in elderly people and (2) to know the health-seeking behavior of the aged population. Materials and Methods: This community-based, cross-sectional, and descriptive study was conducted among 160 elderly individuals over a period of 3 months from February 2019 to April 2019. Participants were interviewed and clinically examined for the assessment of sociodemographic detail, morbidity profile, and health-seeking behavior. Results: Of 160 study subjects, 71 were males and 89 were females. The majority (61.3%) of the elderly were in the age group of 60–69 years. Overall the prevalence of morbidity was high, i.e., 76.9%. The most common illness was a nonspecific generalized weakness (48.1%) and gastrointestinal problems (44.4%). Majority of them (65.4%) have faith in allopathic medicines and used government facilities. Of the total morbid elderly, 15.5% of them could not get medical advice. Conclusions: High prevalence of morbidity among elderly population stresses the need to provide suitable health facilities and affordable health care to the elderly. Non-specific generalized weakness was one of the most important problems in this age group. Further research is to be done to know the cause of this weakness. Policymakers must focus on rural elderly and their beliefs which prevent them from seeking healthcare.