A cross sectional study on the health status of geraitric population

Abstract

Background: In 2010, the estimated geriatric population was 8% of total population and is likely to rise to 19% by 2050. In India, the elderly people suffer from dual medical problems, i.e. both communicable as well as non-communicable diseases (NCD). Objective of the study is to study the demographic and socio-economic profile of the study subjects and to identify the perceived morbidity pattern among the elderly population.

Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted amongst 100 geriatric individuals residing in the field practice area of UHTC, KBNIMS, Kalaburgi, Karnataka, India.

Results: 76% of the total study groups were between the age group of 60-69 years. 51% of the participants were male and 49% were female. 70% belonged to the lower socio-economic class. Among the acute diseases, maximum prevalence was that of fever (37%) and followed by cough (36%). The least prevalence was that of tooth ache (1%). Among the chronic diseases; maximum prevalence was that of hypertension (49%) and the least prevalence was that skin diseases (1%) and cancer (7%). Dependency was seen in managing money (43%), followed by washing chores (32%). Among the 100 subjects; 31% were habituated to smoking and 27% were addicted to tobacco chewing.

Conclusion: There is a desperate growing need for good quality and efficient geriatric health care services at the primary level and it should be based on evident needs of the elderly.