Resettlement Colony Research Articles

Prevalence of common mental disorders and perspective toward mental health in an urban resettlement colony of Delhi, India: A mixed-method study

Prevalence of common mental disorders and perspective toward mental health in an urban resettlement colony of Delhi, India: A mixed-method study

Gender-based Violence in an Indian Resettlement Colony Threatened with Re-eviction

Gender-based Violence in an Indian Resettlement Colony Threatened with Re-eviction

Prevalence, Determinants, and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Urinary Tract Infections in Antenatal Women in an Urban Resettlement Colony and Slum in Delhi, India: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common bacterial infection occurring in pregnant women with untreated, recurrent, and inadequately treated bacteriuria accentuating the risk of multiple adverse fetal and maternal health outcomes. The study objective was to determine the proportion of UTIs and their predictors along with antibiotic resistance patterns of causative organisms in pregnant women. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 348 pregnant women in an urban resettlement and slum colony. Urine samples were examined through semi-quantitative culture on plated Mac Conkey and blood agar. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done on Muller Hinton agar using the modified Stokes’ disc diffusion method. Results: At least one symptom related to UTI was reported by 35.7% (95% CI: 30.7-41.1) of the participants. The proportion of pregnant women detected having UTI on urine culture was 7.4% (n = 24, 95% CI: 5.1-10.8) with 13 (54.2%) asymptomatic and 11 (45.8%) symptomatic cases. Overcrowding was a significant predictor of UTI. The most common organisms detected were Escherichia coli (n = 12), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 7), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 3), and Acinetobacter species (n = 2). Conclusions: The use of individual toilets and active screening for UTI through culture and sensitivity testing in pregnant women should be promoted in low-resource settings irrespective of symptoms. The initiation of presumptive antibiotic therapy for UTI cases in pregnant women should be restricted to painful micturition due to high false positivity of other symptoms with Nitrofurantoin being a likely preferred drug for empirical administration due to its low resistance pattern among isolated organisms.

IJCM_206A: Building a demographic, developmental and environmental surveillance site in an urban slum and resettlement colony in Delhi, India: processes, engagement, and challenges – a SWOT analysis

Background: Demographic, developmental and environmental surveillance sites (DDESS) enable accurate and prospective health-related data collection amongst socioeconomically disadvantaged populations that facilitate health planning and interventions. Objectives: We explored the community-engagement strategies, enablers, and barriers in building a DDESS site in an urban slum and resettlement colony-based field practice area of a government medical college in Delhi. Methodology: We conducted qualitative research through SWOT analysis that identified both internal (strength and weaknesses), and external (opportunities and threats) factors in building the DDESSS. Informal interviews with multiple stakeholders including researchers, field investigators, project staff, local medical officers, resident doctors, community health workers, local residents, and leaders were conducted. Results: The themes related to SWOT analysis were identified as: (1). Internal factors – Strengths (a). Pre-existing linkage with the community especially provision of comprehensive primary care services (b). Establishment of community-advisory boards (c). Community needs assessment (2): Internal factors - Weaknesses (a). Perceived lack of individual benefit in residents (b). Dissatisfaction with functioning of existing health services (c). Inadequate digital literacy among senior staff hindering generation and adoption of health data to meet population healthcare needs (c) Concerns over privacy in questions related to socioeconomic status and mapping of the area. (3). External factors – Opportunities (a). Employment of field workers belonging to the community to demonstrate trust and build confidence (b). Outreach health services including noncommunicable screening camps, and child vaccination. (4). External factors - Threats (a). Inefficient functioning of health system such as out-of-stock drugs, delayed vaccination, unavailability of diagnostic services in existing primary health facilities. (b). ensuring availability of adequate human and financial resources beyond the project period. (c) dominance of CABs by influential individuals or groups. Conclusion: Garnering community support and active community engagement enable the process of establishment of medical college based DDESS sites.

IJCM_194A: Diabetes distress and associated factors among adult patients residing in an urban resettlement colony in Delhi

Background: Diabetes distress “refers to the negative emotional or affective experiences resulting from the challenge of living with the demands of diabetes.” The American Diabetes Association recommends routinely screening for distress. Presently, this does not take place and distress remains undiagnosed. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of diabetes distress, its associated factors and the relationship between glycemic control and distress. Methodology: This community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in a resettlement colony in Delhi. The participants were selected using simple random sampling and included adults diagnosed with DM. The sample size calculated was 433 (prevalence: 42%, absolute precision: 5%, non-response rate: 10%). The questionnaire included Diabetes Distress Scale 17 and Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) was tested for all the participants. Logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with distress as well as the association between glycemic control status and the presence of distress. Results: 412 adults were included in the study, of which 35.4% had clinically significant distress. The factors found to be associated with diabetes distress on multivariable logistic regression were: female sex, belonging to the lower socio-economic status, having self-reported comorbidities, being diagnosed with diabetes 10 or more years ago, being on treatment from a private or government hospital as compared to not being on treatment and having an unmet need for social support. There was a positive association between physician contact and distress. Those with poor glycemic control had higher odds of distress, regimen related distress and emotional burden, as compared to those who had adequate glycemic control. Conclusion: In this study, distress was prevalent among 35.4% of adults with diabetes. The factors determined to be associated with distress may provide a targeted approach to address distress, which ought to be screened for in routine clinical settings and be addressed, to help improve disease control.

Common mental disorders among adolescents in an urban area of Delhi.

Common mental disorders (CMDs) among adolescents may hamper their psycho-social development. This study evaluated the prevalence and determinants of CMD like depression and anxiety among late adolescents of an age of 15--19 years residing in an urban resettlement colony of southeast Delhi. A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 556 randomly selected adolescents. CMD was assessed using Mini International Neuropsychiatry Interview - Kid version 6 (MINI-Kid) based on DSM-IV TR and compliant with ICD-10 definitions of CMD. The associated risk factors were studied using a self-developed semi-structured interview schedule and analyzed using multi-variable logistic regression. A total of 491 adolescents were interviewed (a response rate of 88.3%), of whom 247 (50.3%) were female and 210 (42.8%) belonged to a lower-middle socio-economic status. The lifetime prevalence of CMD was 34% [95% confidence interval (CI): 29.8-38.2]. Of the total, 22.4% (95% CI: 18.7-6.1) of the participants reported depression and 6.7% (95% CI: 4.5-8.9) reported generalized anxiety disorder during their lifetime. Female sex [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.1, 95% CI: 1.4-2.2], experiencing a stressful event in the past 6 months (aOR 4.7, 95% CI: 3.1-7.3), and smoking tobacco (aOR 2.0, 95% CI: 1.2-7.4) significantly increased the odds of having CMD in multi-variate analysis. There is a high prevalence of CMD among adolescents residing in urban resettlement colonies of Delhi, which is composed mostly of people belonging to lower socio-economic strata. Hence, tailored intervention at stress management with promotion of healthy lifestyle is needed for this age group.

Metabolic syndrome burden, determinants and treatment status in an urban slum resettlement colony in Delhi, India.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) in low-resource settings contributes to accentuated risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke. The study objective was to estimate the prevalence, determinants and treatment status of MetS in an urban slum resettlement population in Delhi, India. This study was conducted from February to May 2023. Multiphase sampling was conducted with 1910 individuals screened for abdominal obesity (AO), with 996 detected as having AO, of which, 400 were selected by simple random sampling and further evaluated for triglycerides (TGs), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and fasting glucose levels. Among the 400 participants detected as having AO, 211 had evidence of MetS (52.75% [95% confidence interval 47.83 to 57.62]). The most prevalent combination of MetS clustering was for all five components (AO, diabetes mellitus [DM], hypertension [HTN], low HDL and high TGs; 14.69%), followed by AO, DM and HTN (12.32%). On adjusted analysis, the odds of having MetS was found to be independently associated with increasing age (≥40y) but not sex. A high burden of MetS and suboptimal treatment status is prevalent in urban slum populations. Screening of individuals with AO, especially in those >40y of age, can be an effective programmatic strategy for early diagnosis and management of MetS and its underlying components.

Reproductive healthcare seeking behaviour of women of the reproductive age group in an urban resettlement area of district Gautam Buddh Nagar in Uttar Pradesh, India.

Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and gynaecological morbidities constitute a significant proportion of morbidities in women of the reproductive age group. To find out the proportion of reproductive age group women in an urban resettlement colony having the symptoms of gynaecological morbidities and RTI/sexually transmitted infection (STI) and to explore the healthcare seeking behaviour of the women during such ailments. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2023 among 317 females aged 15 to 49 years in an urban resettlement area of Gautam Buddh Nagar district in Uttar Pradesh. Statistical analysis used included descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. SPSS 23 was used for data analysis. There was a prevalence of 65.3% of at least one self-reported symptom suggestive of RTI/STI or gynaecological morbidity among the respondents. Among the symptomatic respondents, 54.1% were found to seek treatment. Among the reasons given for not seeking treatment in any health facility, the majority (83.1%) responded 'lack of awareness that the problem needed medical treatment' and 'stigma related with the problem' to be the main reasons. The reproductive healthcare seeking behaviour was found to be inadequate, with only 54.1% of symptomatic respondents seeking treatment. Enhanced health awareness sessions can be planned in the short term, and skilled communicators within or outside of the health system in the long term may be deployed to disseminate information in the community regarding sexual and gynaecological morbidities in reproductive age group women and their timely intervention.

An interventional study to assess the impact of behavior modification therapy on motivation level for tobacco cessation among adult tobacco users in a resettlement colony of South Delhi.

Tobacco use remains a significant global health challenge, contributing to 8 million annual deaths and potentially reaching 1 billion deaths in the 21st century. Despite taking efforts like India's National Tobacco Control Program, the country faces a persistent 39% tobacco use prevalence, particularly in low-income communities like those from Madanpur Khadar, Delhi. This study explores the effectiveness of behavior modification therapy in addressing this challenge. In a community-based trial, 400 adult tobacco users from Madanpur Khadar were enrolled and randomization and allocation concealment were done (CTRI no.: CTRI/2021/06/034298). Participants were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups during the study period of 18 months. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, smoking behaviors, and motivation levels were collected. The intervention included behavior modification therapy, while the control group received brief advice. Motivation levels were assessed using the contemplation ladder, and carbon monoxide levels were measured with piCO + Smokerlyzer. The study adhered to ethical considerations and obtained approval from Jamia Hamdard's Institutional Ethical Committee. Sociodemographic characteristics revealed a predominantly male (88%) population, aged above 30 years (68.5%), with lower middle class representation (51%). The intervention group exhibited a 7% smoking cessation rate, which is significantly higher than the control group (1%). piCO+ Smokerlyzer confirmed a 41.7% reduction in carbon monoxide levels among participants in the intervention group. High motivation levels correlated with successful quitting, with a 6.5 times higher odds ratio for highly motivated individuals compared to low or moderately motivated ones. The study highlights the cost-effective impact of behavior modification therapy in promoting tobacco cessation, particularly in resource-constrained settings. The significant association between motivation levels and quitting underscores the importance of tailored interventions in public health initiatives aimed at reducing tobacco use.

Reviewing the affordability and adequacy of affordable housing in urban India: impact of the covid-19 pandemic

PurposeHousing policies in India (last modified in 2017) define “affordable housing” on three main parameters – income of the target group, dwelling unit size and house price to income ratio. The Covid-19 pandemic has questioned the robustness of the defining parameters of affordable housing. This paper aims to study the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on housing affordability and adequacy for the urban poor and highlights how one pandemic has directly challenged the practicality of the affordable housing criteria in urban India.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on a pilot test conducted through interviews with the consumer group. Furthermore, the affordable housing policies of urban India were studied in conjunction with the pandemic guidelines laid down by the World Health Organization. The consumer responses were analyzed in relation to the policies and guidelines to arrive at the inferences. The secondary case examples of the Dharavi slums in Mumbai and the Savda Ghevra slum resettlement colony in Delhi, along with the findings of the primary survey in the economically weaker section category, are used to formulate the conclusions.FindingsThe pilot test conducted for the target consumer group clearly indicates that (i) the pandemic has severely affected the housing purchase capacity of the target consumer, thereby questioning the “affordability” of housing; (ii) proposed housing solutions are inadequate to enable livability, thereby questioning the “adequacy” of housing; and (iii) proposed housing solutions are inept to accommodate pandemic protocols. The Covid-19 pandemic and the conditions it imposed on the built environment clearly highlight the inadequacy of affordable housing parameters being followed in urban India.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research may be conducted on global best practices in housing, which may advise the housing policies in India.Practical implicationsThe study suggests key areas that need intervention and modification to make the housing policies more robust and effective.Social implicationsThe study explores the social sustainability aspects of housing, which are often considered secondary in policies.Originality/valueBecause housing has a direct bearing on the physical, social and mental well-being of society, it is imperative to find housing solutions that are safe and resilient for a sustainable future. This paper is an original attempt by the author to question and highlight how the current affordable housing solutions adopted in urban India will continue to fail under any external adverse conditions unless modifications are considered in the existing housing parameters.

Hypertension care cascade in an urban resettlement colony and slum in Delhi, India: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundHypertension care cascade in resource-limited settings is compromised with a majority of patients with hypertension remaining undiagnosed, untreated, non-adherent, and poorly controlled at every stage. However, there is paucity of information on care and management of hypertensive patients in community-based settings of low-income urban neighbourhoods in India.MethodsThis was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in an urban resettlement colony and slum area in the Northeast District of Delhi. The adult population was screened for hypertension using standardized methods, and adherence to medications was assessed using the Morisky Green Levine scale. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to ascertain the sociodemographic predictors of the outcome (presence of hypertension, adherence to antihypertensive medication, blood pressure control). A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsWe included 8850 adult participants including 5295 females and 3555 males in this study. Nearly 29% of the participants were hypertensive, of which 61.77% were newly diagnosed cases. Furthermore, nearly 81% of the previously diagnosed cases had been initiated on antihypertensive medication, of which 57.54% were adherent to their medications while 36.12% attained controlled blood pressure levels. The odds of having hypertension were significantly higher among males (AOR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.63 to 2.15), age ≥ 60 years (AOR = 9.15, 95% CI: 7.82 to 10.70), high waist circumference (AOR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.86 to 2.70) and Body Mass Index of ≥ 25.00 (AOR = 2.55, 95% CI: 2.00 to 3.26). Furthermore, on adjusted analysis, patients of hypertension having diabetes (DM) comorbidity had significantly higher odds of being adherent to anti-hypertensive medications (AOR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.31 to 2.51) compared to those without DM comorbidity, while tobacco users had significantly lower odds of being adherent to antihypertensive medication (AOR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.31 to 0.82).ConclusionsHypertension care cascade in urban slum-resettlement colony setting revealed a high burden of undiagnosed hypertension, low rates of medication adherence, and poor blood pressure control. Strengthening community screening and primary care continuum of care is necessary to improve the hypertension care cascade from early diagnosis to effective management with optimal health outcomes to reduce patient complications and increase longevity.

Urban Informality and Gender: A Feminist Inquiry into the Informal Labor Dynamics of Women in a Delhi Resettlement Colony

Urban Informality and Gender: A Feminist Inquiry into the Informal Labor Dynamics of Women in a Delhi Resettlement Colony

Healthier Food Purchase and Its Determinants in an Urban Resettlement Colony of Delhi

ABSTRACT Dietary risk, one of the major risk factors for the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases, is influenced by household food choices and purchases. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 250 randomly selected households of an urban resettlement colony in Delhi to estimate the proportion of households purchasing different healthier food options during the last purchasing occasion and to identify its key determinants. Purchase of healthier options in staple items like wheat flour with fiber (100%), plant-based oils (97.9%), unpolished pulses (96.2%), and toned milk (94.5%) was high. Affordability and health considerations in food purchases were identified as key determinants.

The Gendered Effects of Urban Displacement: Insights from Delhi, India

In India, the politics of hope around slum relocation is created through claims that it would improve living standards of the poor and vulnerable families. Families, however, are not a unitary entity whose members are affected by relocation in the exact same ways. Motivated by the sets of feminist literature that problematize the family as a locus of both cooperation and conflict, and displacements as a gendered process, this article examines how forced relocation alters labor market engagements of (relocated) women, and why. Using an in-depth fieldwork-based case study of slums and a resettlement colony in Delhi, it elucidates if relocation-led sociospatial changes are reproducing gendered vulnerabilities in the city. Through that, my work underscores the need to transform the current policy into one that is gender sensitive and, hence, truly inclusive. JEL Classification: J46, R11, O20, P10

Underweight and overweight among elderly persons in an urban resettlement colony of Delhi

Introduction: The prevalence of overweight and obesity has been rapidly increasing along with the increasing number of elderly persons throughout the world. In developing countries like India, it is no different. At the same time, the prevalence of underweight along with its association with different socioeconomic variables cannot be neglected. The objective was to estimate the prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity among the elderly in an urban resettlement colony of Delhi and to find their association with various sociodemographic variables. Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted among 499 elderly persons (60 years and above) selected by Simple Random Sampling. A pretested questionnaire was used for sociodemographic variables and weight and arm-span were measured. Prevalence was calculated and the association using multivariate logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of underweight was 13.8% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 10.9–17.2%), overweight 18.2% (95% CI: 15.0%–21.9%), and obesity 27.3% (95% CI: 23.4–31.4%). Elderly persons having normal Body Mass Index was 40.6%. Underweight was significantly associated with illiteracy and not doing anything at present; obesity was more common among females, younger, and educated elderly persons. Conclusion: Three-fifths of elderly persons in the urban area were underweight or overweight or obese. Targeted community-based interventions are required to optimize their nutritional status. Focus areas should include appropriate and acceptable dietary advice, and an increase in physical activity to reduce complications.

COVID-19 Booster Dose Coverage and Hesitancy among Older Adults in an Urban Slum and Resettlement Colony in Delhi, India.

The high prevalence of vaccine booster hesitancy, with the concomitant waning of humoral vaccine or hybrid immunity, and the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern can accentuate COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. The study objective was to ascertain the COVID-19 vaccination coverage, including the administration of precaution (booster) dose vaccination, among the older population in an urban slum and resettlement colony population in Delhi, India. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in an urban resettlement colony, slum, and village cluster in the Northeast district of Delhi among residents aged ≥50 years. A total of 2217 adults (58.28%) had obtained a COVID-19 booster (precaution) dose vaccine, 1404 (36.91%) had received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine without booster dose, 121 (3.18%) were unvaccinated, while 62 (1.63%) participants received a single dose. Based on adjusted analysis, older adults (>65 years), higher education, and higher per-capita income were statistically significant predictors of booster dose vaccination. More than four in ten adults in an urban slum and resettlement colony in Delhi lacked COVID-19 booster dose vaccination despite high rates of double-dose vaccination (~95%). Public health programming should provide an enhanced focus on reducing complacency with renewed prioritization for improving ease of access to COVID-19 vaccination services, particularly in underserved areas.

Comparison of Different Anthropometric Indicators for Assessment of Nutritional Status Among Adolescent Girls in an Urban Resettlement Colony in New Delhi: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background In India, 44.8% of adolescent girls are under-nourished, while about 8%-13% of girls are overweight. Though several studies have been done regarding the nutritional status of adolescent girls over the years, there have been no significant changes. Also, there are several different anthropometric indicators for nutritional status assessment, due to which there are huge variations in the prevalence of malnutrition across different studies. So the objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of malnutrition using different anthropometric indicators and compare them. Methods A random sample of 426 girls was taken from Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) of the Centre for Community Medicine (CCM), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and a semi-structured questionnaire was administered among 386 of them to determine associated factors. Height, weight, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) were measured for 386 girls, and BMI for age and height for age z scores were calculated using WHO AnthroPlus. Mid-upper arm circumference for age z scores (MUAC for age) were calculated using Lambda-Mu-Sigma (LMS) charts by the CDC for girls aged one year to 20 years. Results It was found in this study that using BMI for age z scores (BAZ), 33.4% of the adolescent girls were malnourished; 18.9% (95% CI 15.1-23.2) being underweight, 10.6% (95% CI: 7.7-14.1) being overweight, and 3.9% (95% CI: 2.2-6.3) were obese. While using BMI solely as an indicator, the prevalence of thinness was 51.8% (95% CI: 46.9-56.9), while that of overweight and obesity was 10.6% (95% CI: 5.7-11.5) and 1.0% (95% CI: 0.2-2.6), respectively. The prevalence of under-nutrition by MUAC for age z scores was 53.4% (95% CI: 48.2-58.4), and that of over-nutrition was 1.8% (95% CI: 1.0-3.7). BMI for age z scores positively and strongly correlated with both MUAC and MUAC for age z scores and had a significant association with both on univariable linear regression. Though there was a negative correlation between BMI for age z scores and height-for-age z scores, it was not significant. Height-for-age z scores, even though positively correlated with MUAC for age z scores, the correlation was not that strong.

Associations between neighbourhood social cohesion and subjective well-being in two different informal settlement types in Delhi, India: a quantitative cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo evaluate the relationships between neighbourhood cohesion and subjective well-being (SWB) in two different informal settlement types.DesignCross-sectional analysis of a community-based survey.SettingCommunities in two districts, Sanjay Colony, Okhla Phase II...

Determinants of Treatment Adherence and Health Outcomes in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension in a Low-Income Urban Agglomerate in Delhi, India: A Qualitative Study.

Background Diabetes and hypertension (HTN) are increasing threats to global public health.Despite evidence of effective management of diabetes and HTN bymedications that help in the prevention and reducing mortality of the disease, a large proportion of people either remain undiagnosed or untreated, especially in low-resource countries.This study wasconducted to explore the patient treatment pathway and their health-seeking behavior in a low-income urban area. Methodology We conducted 45 in-depth interviews of adult patients affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and/or HTN on treatment for at least two years and attended the weeklyclinic catering to an urban resettlement colonyin the Northeast district of Delhi. Interviews were conducted and transcribed into Hindi and translated into English. Dataanalysis was done using Microsoft Excel. The patient treatment pathways were mapped, and their health-seeking behavior, treatment adherence, and experiences were described. Results Most patients reported taking treatment from the government primary health facilitiesdue to optimal healthcare accessibility as the prescribed drugs for DM/HTN control were available free of cost at these healthcare facilities. Those who visited private facilities thought of shorter waiting times and the quality of drugs. Patients also had little knowledge of complications of diabetes and hypertensive disorders. Nearly 25% of patients had poor adherence to the medications, and lifestyle modification was rarely practiced by patients although they were aware of the same. Conclusions Expanding the role of community health workers or volunteers in providing information on noncommunicable diseases might help improvepatient treatment pathways to care.

Mild Cognitive Impairment among Elderly Persons Residing in an Urban Resettlement Colony in Delhi.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transitional state between normal cognition and clinical dementia. MCI is associated with an increased risk of dementia and mortality. Progression of MCI to dementia can be prevented by cognitive and lifestyle interventions. There is limited evidence on the burden and risk factors associated with MCI in India. To estimate the prevalence of MCI among elderly persons, and to study the factors associated with MCI. This community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 365 persons aged 60 years or older, residing in an urban resettlement colony of Delhi. Participants with dementia (score <23 on the Hindi version of the Mini-Mental State Examination) were excluded. Objective cognitive impairment and functional disability were assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Impairment-Basic (MoCA-B) tool and Barthel's Activities of Daily Living, respectively. The prevalence of MCI was estimated by Petersen's criteria, i.e., subjective memory impairment, objective cognitive impairment (MoCA score 19-25), functional independence, and absence of dementia. Univariate analysis was performed, followed by stepwise multivariate logistic regression. The association of socio-demographic and other health conditions with MCI was assessed. The prevalence of MCI was 9.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 6.7-12.7], 13.3% (95% CI 8.8-19.7) among men, and 6.5% (95% CI 3.9-10.6) among women. The risk of MCI was higher among current smokers. MCI was common among the elderly. Early detection of MCI may be included in health programs for elderly persons.