Geriatric Age Group Research Articles

Supratentorial PNET in a geriatric patient

Supratentorial PNETs are most commonly seen in children and rarely seen in adults. PNET show a proliferation of undifferentiated or poorly differentiated neuroepithelial cells and, thus, are histologically similar to medulloblastomas. They account for approximately 2.5% of brain tumours in children and only 0.4% in adults. Prognosis is poor in the pediatric age group while it shows favourable prognosis in adults. In literature, less than 100 cases of adult PNET have been reported till date with mean age of 35years. PNET in the geriatric age group is rarely been reported

Age Related Changes in Common Bile Duct Transverse Diameter Among Egyptian Population: Ultrsonographic and Magnetic Resonance Study

Abstract Background: Measurement of transverse diameter of the Common Bile Duct (CBD) was performed in several studies by Ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging using Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). The size of the extrahepatic bile duct increases with age which should be taken into consideration by the surgeons during the surgery of the gallbladder, pancreas and duodenum. US plays a crucial role in the initial imaging work-up of a patient with jaundice. Because a dilated extrahepatic duct distinguishes obstructive from non-obstructive causes of jaundice. The size of the bile duct is considered to increase normally with age as proved by various studies especially MRCP which is more accurate than US. Aim of Study: The aim of the present work is to demon-strate anatomical variation concerning assessment of transverse diameter of CBD both in adult and geriatric age groups without biliary or hepatic manifestations and detection of age related changes in CBD as one of the causes of non obstructive biliiary dilatation. Material and Methods: The patients were divided into three groups according to their age: 1- Group I: 21-40 years. 2- Group II: 41-60 years, 3- Group III: Over 60 years. Ultra-sound and MRCP techniques were used in this study to assess the diameter of CBD in different age groups. Results: Group I: In US: In this age group the mean of the widest transverse diameter of extrahepatic bile duct was 0.25 with a range: 0.18-0.41. In males the mean was: 0.23 with a range: 0.19-0.26. In females: The mean was: 0.28 with a range: 0.18-0.41. In MRCP: In this age group the mean of the widest transverse diameter of extrahepatic bile duct was 37.5 with a range: 21-49. In males: The mean was: 36 with a range: 21-46. In females: The mean was: 40 with a range: 0.29-49. Group II: In US: The mean of the widest transverse diameter of extrahepatic bile duct was 0.32 with a range: 0.19-0.41. In males: The mean was: 0.31 with a range: 0.19- 0.39. In females: The mean was: 0.33 with a range: 0.27-0.41. In MRCP: The mean of the widest transverse diameter of extrahepatic bile duct was 46.5 with a range: 24-62. In males: The mean was: 52.6 with a range: 41-62. In females: The mean was: 40.4 with a range: 0.24-51. Group III: In US: The mean of the widest transverse diameter of extrahepatic bile duct was 0.40 with a range: 0.26-0.63. In males: The mean was: 0.39 with a range: 0.28-0.52. In females: The mean was: 0.42 with a range: 0.26-0.63. In MRCP: The mean of the widest transverse diameter of extrahepatic bile duct was 88.31 with a range: 49-180. In males: The mean was: 94.27 with a range: 69-170. In females: The mean was: 81.93 with a range: 49-180. Conclusion: Both US and MRCP modalities revealed that the widest transverse diameter of CBD increases with age.

A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY OF CLINICO-DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF PATIENTS WITH COMPLEX PROXIMAL FEMORAL FRACTURES

Background: Fractures of femoral bone is very commonly seen in geriatric age group but is also getting common in young population up-to some extent. Such kind of fractures are a result of road traffic accidents or any kind of trauma in young and healthy individuals but in geriatric age group, most of them are due to a trivial fall but aggravated by osteoporosis.
 Aim: To study clinico-demographic profile of patients with complex proximal femoral fractures.
 Material and Methods: In our study, 40 cases with complex proximal femoral fractures with osteoporosis & communition were examined.
 Results: Majority of the cases were in the age group of 41-60 years & 61-80 years i.e., 16 patients each (40% each). Most of the patients were male i.e., 24 (60%) and 16 (40%) were female. The commonest mode of injury was road traffic accidents in 20 patients (50%) followed by fall from height in 14 (35%) patients. Both sides were equally affected.
 Conclusion: The complex proximal femoral fractures were more common in geriatric age and in case of females which could be attributed by underlying osteoporosis which is prevalent more in females.
 Keywords: road traffic accident, geriatric age group, osteoporosis, proximal femoral fracture.

Covid-19 Pandemisi: Geriatrik Popülasyonun Sosyal İzolasyon Sırasında ve Sonrasında Egzersiz İhtiyacı

Summary: Geriatric individuals are among the groups that require special attention for clinicians due to some physiological changes brought about by the aging process. Severe respiratory infection caused by the SARS-COV-2 virus has caused a worldwide pandemic and has a high mortality, especially in elderly people with additional chronic disease. For this reason, the management of many countries tries to prevent transmission to this age group by taking various social isolation measures to be applied especially in the geriatric age group. However, during this social isolation period, some physical and mental problems may arise in any age group. In older individuals, these changes may have more critical results and require special approach. With this short review, we wanted to draw attention to the necessity of regular exercise and the types of exercise that can be done in individuals in the geriatric age group during and after social isolation.Keywords: Coronavirus, exercise, geriatrics, social isolation

PREVALENCE AND ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITY PATTERN OF BACTERIA CAUSING LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION IN THE GERIATRIC GROUP

Abstract Introduction: Lower respiratory tract infections accounts for 3% -5% of mortality in adults, especially in the geriatric age group. Aim: To know the prevalence of various microorganisms causing LRTI in geriatric patients, studying their antibiotic sensitivity pattern and to determine the various risk factors in this age group. Materials & methods: Sputum samples were collected from 50 geriatric patients. Other Co-morbid conditions were evaluated. Isolated pathogens were tested for antibiotic sensitivity pattern by standard microbiological methods. Results: Among 50 patients, 9(18%) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), 7(14%) of them had Pulmonary tuberculosis, 7(14%) Bronchial Asthma, and the remaining 27(54%) with other lower respiratory tract infections. 41(82%) samples were culture positive. Organisms like Klebsiella pneumoniae (20), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10), Candida spp (3) E. coli (2), Staphylococcus aureus (4), Acinetobacter (1), Enterococcus (1), were grown. Conclusion: The prevalence of multi drug resistant bacteria causing lower respiratory tract infection is increasing, now-a-days. Changing lifestyle patterns like avoiding of smoking, glycemic control in diabetics, avoiding sedentary lifestyle with adequate physical activity and appropriate diet would improve the immune status of the geriatric patients and thereby reduces all possible infections in this age group. Knowing the sensitivity pattern of isolated pathogens and then treating the patients will reduce the incidence of drug resistant microorganisms as well.

Relationship between Age and Activities of Daily Living using Modified Shah Barthel Index on Stroke Patient in Chronic Phase

Background: Stroke is the chief cause of long-term disability in the world. Predominantly, the disease is known as a degenerative disease on geriatrics age group, yet several studies have proven that incidence on productive ages are also increasing.
 Objective: The study aimed to know whether there are any difference in Modified Shah Barthel Index (MSBI) score in different age group, geriatric and productive age group and to know independence score in daily activities based on age. 
 Method: The study utilized the cross-sectional design and analytical observational method. Twenty five samples of chronic stroke patients was recruited and grouped into two groups productive and geriatric age group. MSBI score was calculated and compared between two groups. 
 Result: Bivariate analysis proves that there is a significant association between MSBI score and age of stroke patients on chronic phase (p=0.017). 
 Discussion. There is a significant association between age and MSBI score on stroke patients in chronic phase.
 Conclusion: There was a significance difference between productive and geriatric age with daily activities using MSBI in chronic stroke patients. The productive age group has a higher Modified Shah Barthel Index score than the geriatric age group.

Five years trend of bacteriological profile and antibiogram of urinary tract infections at a rural medical college hospital in North Kerala, India: 2012-16

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are amongst the most common bacterial infections in developing countries. The etiology of UTI and the antibiotic resistance of uropathogenes vary in regions and change through times. Regular surveillance of the changing trends in its bacteriological profile and antibiotic sensitivity pattern is therefore mandatory. This study aims to find out the changing trends in the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of urinary isolates of over five consecutive years. A retrospective, record based study was conducted on all culture and sensitivity (C/S) reports of urine samples obtained in the microbiology laboratory in a tertiary care centre, Central Kerala (January 2012- December 2016). The C/S reports which were positive for significant growth were analyzed to find out its prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility patterns. Descriptive statistics was used for data analysis and the results were expressed in percentages. Of the 14105, urine specimens received, 27.93% were positive. Highest rate of UTI is seen in female patients (67.58%) and geriatric age group 47.58%. and Klebsiella are the two most common isolates from all five years of study period and constituted ~ 72% of total. The year wise analysis of antibiotic resistance showed fluctuating pattern. The resistance rate to drugs like Piperacillin –tazobactam and carbepenem showed increasing drug resistance. was found to be more sensitive to Amikacin and nitrofurantoin. Drug resistant strains are markedly high in our area. Antibiotic resistance does not show a consistent trend over years and vary from region to region. Therefore each institution should have an antibiotic policy based on the local antibiogram which is to be renewed regularly.

Histopathological study of prostatic lesions in a medical college hospital

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common condition in geriatric age group. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer seen in men. The present study was aimed at assessing histopathological pattern of prostatic lesion. Methods: The present study was cross sectional in nature involving 43 subjects. Clinical profile and findings of histopathological examination were noted. Results: Majority of the cases belonged to the age group of 61-70 years. 25.6% showed malignant change. Gleason’s score of 7 was seen in 45.5% of the cases with malignancy. Conclusion: Benign prostatic hyperplasia was the most common lesion. Adenocarcinoma was the most common malignancy seen.

A clinical study of benign prostatic hyperplasia in geriatric age group by using synthesis repertory 9.1 version

A clinical study of benign prostatic hyperplasia in geriatric age group by using synthesis repertory 9.1 version

A clinical study of geriatric dermatoses in Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu, India

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Geriatric dermatoses are one of the most common reasons for day-to-day consultation in the elderly. Over the past few years, understanding of the pathophysiology of skin changes in the geriatric age group has improved and has paved the way for better therapeutic options. This article reviews the various physiological and pathological changes of aging, dwelling on the role of intrinsic and extrinsic factors in the pathogenesis of aging skin. To describe the clinical pattern of various dermatological disorders in the elderly.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> The study was conducted in the department of Dermatology, Venereology, Leprosy, at Dharmapuri Medical College, Dharmapuri. Totally 150 members were included in the study, who are above the age of 60 years. Thorough systemic and dermatological examination done. Investigations like complete blood count, liver function test, renal function test, random blood sugar were done.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Xerosis was seen most commonly in this study in 96 cases (33.2%), followed by wrinkling in 84 cases (29.1%), immunoglobulin heavy in 72 cases (25.0%), senile comedones 25 cases (8.6%), and senile lentigines in 12 case (4.1%). In some of these cases, a combination of the above findings was seen.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> In this study, various physiological signs of aging were studied, which is an inescapable process along with the pathological changes. These changes in photoaging were superimposed with intrinsic aging. Although most of the changes studied were harmless to the elderly, few have an adverse impact on the lives, which included chronic actinic dermatitis and conditions such as malignancy.</p>

A one-year prospective study of morbidity and mortality in first year following a hip fracture among the elderly patients

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Hip fractures are one of the most commonest and devastating injuries among the geriatric population. Increasing age, cognitive impairment and higher ASA scores are significantly associated with mortality among the geriatric age group. The objective of this study to evaluate the incidence and causes of morbidity and mortality associated with fracture of the hip in first year after the injury among the elderly population.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A eighteen months prospective study at Narayana Medical College was conducted among patients aged >60 years treated for fracture of hip by arthroplasty and internal fixation. The cases were followed up for one year and mortality and morbidity were evaluated. Associated medical co morbidities were noted for all the cases in the study. Statistical analysis was carried out with IBM SPSS 24.0 and Stata 14 software.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> In the study, 76 cases with M:F ratio of 7:12 and mean age of 63.21±1.4 years were included. Cardio vascular disease and anaemia were common co morbidities. Total mortality percentage in the present study after one year of follow up was 31.58%. Mean age of the cases with death in arthroplasty group was 71 years and 69 years in internal fixation group. Associated medical conditions had a direct relationship with mortality on the patients following surgery for fracture of the hip.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Hemiarthroplasty for fracture of the neck and Internal fixation using dynamic hip screw for trochanteric fracture are still good options in the elderly. Proper post-operative management and follow up management for medical co morbidities provide better functional outcome and good results.</p>

Clinical outcomes of acute pancreatitis in elderly patients: An experience of single tertiary center

BackgroundAlthough well understanding the course of diseases in geriatric population is of paramount importance in order to provide the optimal treatment, there is only a few studies with controversial results that have been conducted about the course and outcomes of acute pancreatitis (AP) in elderly. We aimed to compare clinical outcomes of AP disease in geriatric age group and to evaluate the risk factors affecting outcomes. MethodsA total of 336 patients diagnosed with AP, hospitalized and followed-up in our hospital between July/2013–February/2019 were included in this study. Patients aged 65 years and over were assessed as elderly population. Patients’ demographic data, comorbidities, duration of hospitalization, local systemic complications, and mortality rates were documented. Results196(58.3%) of the patients were female with a mean age of 54.1 ± 17.9 years. The number of patients was 114(33.9%) in the elderly group and 222(66.1%) in the non-elderly group. Although there was no significant difference between both groups in terms of abscess, pseudocyst and necrosis, pancreatic necrosis and systemic complications were higher in the elderly group (p < 0.05). The durations of oral intake and hospitalization were longer, the mortality rate and severity of AP according to the Ranson and Atlanta criteria were significantly higher in the geriatric population (p < 0.05). In addition, age and severity of AP were found to be independent predictive factors of developing complications. ConclusionsEarly recognition of AP is important in the geriatric population. Clinical and laboratory investigations, and early diagnosis in severe patients will be largely helpful in providing close follow-up and the optimal treatment.

Geriatrik yaş grubunun aile hekimliği polikliniğine başvuru sayıları ve nedenlerinin değerlendirilmesi: Retrospektif 5 yıl

Geriatrik yaş grubunun aile hekimliği polikliniğine başvuru sayıları ve nedenlerinin değerlendirilmesi: Retrospektif 5 yıl

Barrett's Esophagus Management in the Elderly: Principles and Best Practice.

Endoscopic screening and surveillance for Barrett's esophagus (BE) as well as treatment of dysplastic BE is well established. A significant proportion of BE patients are older (geriatric age group, > 65years age). There is relatively little information or recommendations in the literature with regards to evaluation and management of geriatric BE patients. The purpose of this review is to outline specific caveats and best practice recommendations to help manage the geriatric BE patient. In this review, we have attempted to summarize the latest evidence and guideline-based recommendations for evaluation and treatment of BE and early esophageal neoplasia, with a special focus on the challenges and considerations involved when caring for the geriatric BE patient. Concepts related to sedation, endoscopy, risk-benefit assessment, and other unique issues pertaining to the older BE patient are discussed. Expert recommendations are provided wherever possible. This review highlights the importance of recognizing the unique aspects of evaluating and managing the geriatric BE patient. Practical recommendations are discussed which will help the provider individualize and optimize care for their geriatric BE patient.

Study of etiopathogenesis of air borne contact dermatitis

Airborne contact dermatitis is an acute or chronic dermatoses predominantly affecting exposed parts of the body and caused by allergens/irritants present in the atmosphere. The agents commonly responsible for this type of dermatitis are either the plants or the industrial agents. This study was carried out on patients with a clinical picture and history consistent with air born contact dermatitis (ABCD) due to exposure to Parthenium hysterophorus (parthenium weed), chrysanthemum, xanthium who were patch tested. This prospective study was conducted in Department of Rural-Cum-Industrial Skin &amp; Health Institute, Dasna, Ghaziabad District, New Delhi. A total of 100 patients suspected to be suffering from ABCD included. A detailed clinical history, cutaneous and systemic examination was done. All patients were patch tested for allergens (parthenium hysterophorus, chrysanthemum, xanthium). Patch test was carried out for Parthenium, Chrysanthemum and Xanthium. All 100 suspected patients were patch tested with dried leaves and flowers of plants, and with standard battery of antigen consisting mainly of antigens for Parthenium, chrysanthemum and xanthium. Patients were instructed to avoid wetting the site, exercise, rubbing and scratching for 96 hours. In the present study, out of 100 patients 94 patients showed positive reaction to either parthenium, chrysanthemum or xanthium plant antigens. While 6 did not show positive reaction to any plant antigens. In this study, majority of the patients were belongs to geriatric age group and from urban areas. In our study, 82 patients tested positive for Parthenium, 9 patients tested positive for Chrysanthenum, 3 for Xanthium and 6 for other chemicals. In addition to this, 10 patients were atopics and others skin condition was normal. 14 (14%) patients had previous history of drug intake in the form of Hospitalization (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs), chronic illness, following accidents. 15% showed good hygiene and 85% showed poor Hygiene.The present study, 82 patients tested positive for Parthenium, 9 patients tested positive for Chrysanthenum, 3 for Xanthium and 6 for other chemicals. Parthenium dermatitis may changes to mixed pattern or chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD). Parthenium dermatitis may be common once.

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ РОБОТИ МЕДИЧНИХ СЕСТЕР У ЗОНІ БОЙОВИХ ДІЙ

Забезпечення кожному постраждалому належної медичної допомоги збільшує шанси на виживання та відновлення функцій протягом усього процесу надання медичної допомоги, що зумовлює актуальність аналізу складнощів у виконанні покладених на медсестер обов’язків у зоні бойових дій.&#x0D; Мета дослідження – проаналізувати особливості роботи медичних сестер у зоні ведення бойових дій та на їх основі сформулювати рекомендації щодо удосконалення освітніх навчальних програм для медсестер.&#x0D; Матеріали і методи. На базі військово-медичної служби ВМС УСБУ в Закарпатській області було про­аналізовано анкетні дані медичних сестер, які проходили військову службу в зоні антитерористичної операції упродовж 2015–2017 рр. Основним запитанням до респондентів було коротко описати складнощі у виконанні покладених на медсестер обов’язків.&#x0D; Результати. Аналізуючи отримані відповіді медичних сестер, які виконували свої професійні обов’язки в зоні бойових дій, було сформульовано основні складнощі їх роботи в умовах прямої і непрямої загрози: недостатні знання принципів Tactical Combat Casualty Care; розподіл поранених при евакуації в умовах тактичної екстреної медичної допомоги; різна популяція постраждалих, яка включала не тільки військовослужбовців, а й мирне населення, у тому числі педіатричні й геріатричні вікові групи; необхідність психологічної допомоги військово­службовцям і мирному населенню в зоні бойових дій; недостатній досвід тактичної евакуації.&#x0D; Висновки. Для оптимізації професійних знань медичних сестер у цих напрямках рекомендується включити освітні компоненти «Тактична медицина» і «Екстрена психологічна допомога» в освітні навчальні програми для медсестер.

Establishing and using reference intervals

Abstract Reference intervals (RIs) and clinical decision limits (CDLs) are fundamental tools used by healthcare and laboratory professionals to interpret patient laboratory test results. The traditional method for establishing RIs, known as the direct approach, is based on collecting samples from members of a preselected reference population, making the measurements and then determining the intervals. For challenging groups such as pediatric and geriatric age groups, indirect methods are appointed for the derivation of RIs in the EP28-A3c guideline. However, there has been an increasing demand to use the indirect methods of deriving RIs by the use of routine laboratory data stored in the laboratory information system. International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC), Committee on Reference Intervals and Decision Limits (C-RIDL) is currently working on the study for the comparison of the conventional (direct) and alternative (indirect) approaches for the determination of reference intervals. As a matter of fact that, the process of developing RIs is often beyond the capabilities of an individual laboratory due to the complex, expensive and time-consuming process to develop them. Therefore, a laboratory can alternatively transfer and verify RIs established by an external source (i.e. manufacturers’ package inserts, publications). IFCC, C-RIDL has focused primarily on RIs and has performed multicenter studies to obtain common RIs in recent years. However, as the broader responsibility of the Committee, from its name, includes “decision limits”, the C-RIDL also emphasizes the importance of the correct use of both RIs and CDLs and to encourage laboratories to specify the appropriate information to clinicians as needed.

An Analytical study about trends in the Management of Acute Appendicitis Cases in Tertiary Medical Centres

Introduction : Acute appendicitis (AA) is one of the most common surgical disease with a lifetime risk of 7–8%. Improving the diagnostic & Management pathway is the cornerstone for decreasing the negative appendectomy rate and the risk of wrong diagnosis. The primary aim of the this study is to describe the clinical, diagnostic, treatment, and pathological profile of patients with AA in surgical departments of randomly selected hospitals Methods: This Retrospective study involved Prior Consent from Hospital Authorities Subjects included both the genders , all age groups including pediatric and geriatric age group and all classes of socio economic strata. A total of 100 patients case sheet were selected which were proven cases of acute appendicitis during a period of 6 months. This retrospective Analytical Study was planned to see the current trends of Management of Acute Appendicitis in Randomly selected Tertiary Care Hospitals of Raipur district. Results: Case sheets of total 100 diagnosed patients were chosen . They included 35% women and 65% men, with a median age of 31 years . 18% patients had previous episodes of AA. 23% patients underwent abdominal CT scan, 66% patients had an USG, Rest 11% patients had both CT scan and USG. 90 % patients had their Alvarado Score recorded, with a median value of 7 (IQR, 6–8). The Alvarado score was ??4 in 9% patients, between 5 and 6 in 1067 29% patients, between 7 and 8 in 41% patients, and between 9 and 10 in rest of the patients. 94 % patients had their Andersson’s Score recorded, with a median value of 6 (IQR, 5–8). In 21% patients, the Andersson’s score was ??4, between 5 and 8 in 68% patients, and between 9 and 12 in rest of the patients. Conclusion: The results of the present study gives a snapshot of current worldwide trend in the diagnostic work-up and therapeutic management of AA. Ultrasound and CT are used in Sufficient cases . Alvarado, Andersson’s, and WSES grading scores are useful methods to classify the patients, and they predict and correlate with the surgical or pathological diagnosis. 97 % of patients are treated with surgery, which, in more than 50% cases, is performed using a laparoscopic approach, with a low conversion rate. The hospital stay is usually short, with few complications at 7 and 30 days postoperatively. Further analysis based on the present data are needed to study in detail the role of preoperative diagnostic work-up, the usefulness of prognostic scores, the potential value of appropriate antibiotic therapy, and the real advantages of a laparoscopic approach.

Is it Mandatory to Obtain a Health Report in Legal Procedures in the Geriatric Age Group?

Dünyada insanların yaşam sürelerinin uzayarak 2019 yılı için 72,6, 2050 yılı için ise 77,1 yıl olması beklenmektedir. Türkiye’de 65 yaş ve üzerindeki nüfusun, toplam nüfus içerisinde oranının 2023'de % 10,2, 2040'da %16,3, 2060'da %22,6 olacağı öngörülmektedir. Bu sebeple 65 yaş ve üzeri gruba yönelik işlemler büyük öneme sahiptir. Altmış beş yaş üstü kişilerden, hukuki işlemler için ilgili dairelerden (noter, tapu) rutin olarak sağlık raporu (akli meleke) istenmektedir. Bu bireyler, bu raporlar için ilk olarak sağlık sisteminin giriş kapısı olan aile sağlığı merkezlerine başvuruda bulunmaktadır. Sağlık raporu düzenleme konusunda hekimlere yetki ve sorumluluklar verilmiştir. Altmış beş yaş üzerindeki bireylerin tümünden hukuki işlemler için sağlık raporu istenmesi, kişinin özerkliğini ihlal eden ve yeterliliğini sorgulamaya açan, olumsuz sonuçlara sebep olabilecek bir uygulamadır. Bu durum iş yükü fazla olan başta aile hekimleri olmak üzere, diğer uzman hekimlerin iş yükünü arttırmakta ve ekonomik olarak devlete külfet doğurmaktadır. Yasal mevzuatta 65 yaş ve üzeri kişilere yönelik hukuki işlem gerçekleştirmede zorunlu bir sağlık raporu düzenlemesi bulunmamaktadır. Buna rağmen hala geriatrik bireylerden rutin olarak bu rapor istenmektedir. Sağlık Bakanlığı ve Adalet Bakanlığı’nın ilgili konuda noterlere ve tapu dairelerine eğitim vermesi, kılavuzlar geliştirmesi ve yaptırımlar uygulaması bu durumun düzelmesi için büyük öneme sahiptir.

Screening for depression among geriatrics in the rural community, Gharbia Governorate, Egypt

Background Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects feeling, the way of thinking, and acting. The quick increment in the elderly population has engendered public concern about the issues associated. Elderly people who have symptoms of depression are at a very high chance for useful incapacity and have an incredible requirement for accurate diagnostic assessment. Aim The paper aims to screen for depression among the geriatric age group in the rural setting, Egypt. Patients and methods Geriatrics aged 60 years and older were the target population of the study. A cross-sectional study was used to include 200 persons living in a cluster area chosen randomly from four clusters of rural area Gharbia governorate, Egypt. An assessment of depression was conducted using a validated Arab version of Geriatric Depression Scale short version. Results In total, 88.5% were suffering from various degrees of depressive symptoms. There were statistical significant associations between the occurrence of depression from one side and smoking habits, income, and absence of persons. The geriatric groups having diseases, older-age group, sleep habitat, living alone, and not received any help were considered as significant predictors for the occurrence of depression among the geriatric age group with an effect of 30.7%. Conclusion Smoking habits, income, absence of persons who introduce help for geriatrics, suffering from renal and hepatic diseases, and disability were considered significant risk factors for depression among geriatrics. Geriatric groups having diseases, older age group, sleep habitat, living alone, and not received any help were considered as significant predictors for the occurrence of depression.