Morbidity Profile and Its Relationship with Disability and Psychosocial Problems among Elderly”- A Community Based Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and objectives ABSTRACT The world’s population is ageing because of low mortality and increased life expectancy. There is very less health care available for elderly. Various studies have shown that perceived health declines with age and the effects of ill health influence many areas of daily activity. Multi-level assessment across physical, psychological, and social domains forms the basis for ‘comprehensive geriatric assessment’. The objective of the study is to know the morbidity profile, relation of disability with morbidity and psychosocial problems among elderly. Methodology The present study was conducted in an urban area of Belgaum from 1 January 2008 to 31 st December 2008. 400 elderly were interviewed using pretested questionnaire. Based on the reported illness, clinical examination, medical records, and laboratory investigations diagnosis was made and coded as per ICD10. Disability was assessed using Barthel index. Relation of disability with morbidity was analysed by logistic regression analysis using SPSS software. Results 32.8% were in the age group of 60-64yrs and majority were females. 55% of the elderly belonged to lower socioeconomic class. More than one third were Illiterates. Prevalence of morbidity was 95% ( 4.1±1.72) and self reported illness was 72.3%. Females had a higher fall rate and fractures. Common morbidities among elderly were Cataract ( 49% ) , Anemia ( 48% ) , Hypertension ( 42.3% ) , Arthritis ( 39.8% ) , Overweight ( 31.8% ) , Acid peptic disease ( 26% ) , Diabetes mellitus ( 23.5% ) , impaired hearing ( 22.5% ) , COPD ( 15.5% ) . Morbidity was significantly associated IX st with age, gender, marital status, occupation, living arrangements. Anemia and musculoskeletal problems were significantly associated with females. Prevalence of disability was 47.3%. Disability was associated with poor perceived health and higher morbidity. Chronic medical problems associated with disability were hypertension, anemia, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, cataract, COPD, deafness, valvular heart disease and overweight. 68.5% of elderly were non pensioners. More than 50% of the elderly were not happy towards life. Conclusion Morbidity among elderly was high ( 95% ) .Common morbidities among the elderly were Cataract, Anaemia, Hypertension, Arthritis, Diabetes mellitus, impaired hearing, COPD, Stroke. Almost half the subjects were disabled. Chronic medicalproblems were associated with disability. Two thirds of elderly were non pensioners.