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JCHR 2023, 12(2): 256-262 |
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Chopra D, Jauhari N, Mishra S. A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study of Health Profile and Pattern of Disease regarding the Elderly in Rural Areas of Uttar Pradesh. JCHR 2023; 12 (2) :256-262
URL: http://jhr.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-768-en.html
URL: http://jhr.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-768-en.html
1- Department of Community Medicine, Autonomous State Medical College, Hardoi, India , drdeepakchoprakgmu17@gmail.com
2- Department of Ophthalmology, Balrampur Hospital, Lucknow, India
3- Department of Community Medicine, Saraswathi Institute of Medical Science, Unnao, India
2- Department of Ophthalmology, Balrampur Hospital, Lucknow, India
3- Department of Community Medicine, Saraswathi Institute of Medical Science, Unnao, India
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References
1. World Health Organization DA. Health care of elderly. A Manual for Trainers of physicians in Primary & secondary health care facilities, who regional office for South East Asia; WHO. 2001; 11-3.
2. Census of India. Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India; 2011. Available at: URL: http://www.censusindia.gov.in/vital_statistics/SRS_ Report/9Chap%202%20-%202011.pdf.
3. World Health Organization. Regional strategy for healthy ageing, 2013-2018. WHO; Geneva: 2014. ISBN 978-92-9022-454-9. Available at: URL: http://www.searo.who.int/entity/ healthy_ageing/about/en/.
4. Lena A, Ashok K, Padma M, et al. Health and social problems of the elderly: A cross-sectional study in Udupi Taluk, Karnataka. Indian journal of community medicine: official publication of Indian Association of Preventive & Social Medicine. 2009; 34(2): 131.
5. Chopra D, Manchanda S, Manchanda S, et al. A Study of morbidity pattern in indoor patients in a tertiary care hospital in Lucknow. National Journal of Community Medicine. 2017; 8(04): 169-73.
6. Vasudevan J, Mishra AK, Singh Z. An update on BG Prasad’s socioeconomic scale: May 2016. Int J Res Med Sci. 2016; 4(9): 4183-6.
7. Kamble SV, Ghodke YD, Dhumale GB, et al. Health status of elderly persons in rural area of India. Indian Medical Gazette. 2012; 2012: 295-9.
8. Verma V, Prakash S, Parveen K, et al. A comparative study of morbidity pattern in elderly of rural and urban areas of Allahabad district, Uttar Pradesh, India. Int J Community Med Public Health. 2016; 3(5): 1152-6.
9. Ghosh A, Sarkar D, Pal R, et al. A profile of common morbidities among elderly rural Indian population. Am J Public Health Res. 2015; 3(5A): 29-31.
10. Rafiq M, Yasmeen A, Shalinder R. Health problems of the elderly in Budgam District (J&K): A cross sectional study. International Journal Contemporary Medical Research. 2016; 3(12): 3456-8.
11. Kumar R, Bahal SP, Srivastava A. Morbidity pattern of geriatric population in rural areas of western Uttar Pradesh. International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health. 2016; 5(3): 430-4.
12. Mundada V, Jadhav V, Gaikwad AV. Study of addiction problems and morbidity among geriatric population in rural area of Aurangabad district. Journal of Mid-life Health. 2013; 4(3): 172.
13. Srinivas PJ, Manjubhashini S. A study on morbidity profile among elderly population in Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh. Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences. 2014; 13(9): 21-5.
14. Karmakar N, Nag K, Datta A, et al. A cross-sectional study on morbidity pattern of elderly population residing in a rural area of Tripura. Int J Res Med Sci. 2017; 5(11): 5030-5.
15. Hameed S, Kumar N, Naik PM, et al. Morbidity Pattern among the Elderly Population in A Rural Area of Dakshin Kannada, Karnataka–A Cross Sectional Study. National Journal of Community Medicine. 2015; 6(02): 222-5.
16. Vadrevu L, Kumar V, Kanjilal B. Rising challenge of multiple morbidities among the rural poor in India—a case of the Sundarbans in West Bengal. International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health. 2016.
17. Deepak C, Jauhari N, Dhungana H. A Study on Utilization of Maternal Health Services and Factors Influencing the Utilization in Urban Slums of Lucknow. International Journal of Medicine & Public Health. 2018; 8(2).
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| A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study of Health Profile and Pattern of Disease regarding the Elderly in Rural Areas of Uttar Pradesh |
Deepak Chopra 1*
, Nidhi Jauhari 2, Sandhya Mishra 3
, Nidhi Jauhari 2, Sandhya Mishra 3 - Department of Community Medicine, Autonomous State Medical College, Hardoi, India
- Department of Ophthalmology, Balrampur Hospital, Lucknow, India
- Department of Community Medicine, Saraswathi Institute of Medical Science, Unnao, India
| ARTICLE INFO | ABSTRACT | |
| Original Article Received: 25 May 2023 Accepted: 18 Sep 2023 |
Background: Morbidity pattern shows the burden of the disease and time trends, highlighting demographic differences in disease burden. It also demonstrates the extent and nature of the disease load in the community, and thus, assists in establishment of the priorities for monitoring and evaluating disease control activities, allocating the resources and monitoring the trends for the effect of intervention5.Hence, this study aims to determine the prevalence of common morbidities in the elderly age group. Methods: This was a descriptive and cross-sectional study conducted on the 318 elderly subjects in rural areas. Of 60 or above. Random sampling was done to select the villages. A house to house survey was conducted in every selected village, and eligible subjects were interviewed till the required sample size was reached. The study tools were a pre-tested, pre-validated questionnaire Variables included socio- -demographic factors such as age, sex, religion, marital status, education, occupation, type of family, family income, etc. Results: Female preponderance was seen in the study subjects. The majorities of the subjects was between 60-70 and were suffering from either one or two morbidities. 70 % had a positive family history. There were behavioral risk factors (addiction/ habit) in 35% of the participants, and the most common problem was smoking. The most common problems were generalized muscular weakness (63%) followed by gastrointestinal (GI) problems. Around 5% of the study subjects suffered from diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Conclusion: Regarding the socio-demographic characteristics, behavioral factors and morbidities, the present study is comparable to many other studies conducted in India. The burden of different diseases or the morbidity pattern is different in different parts of the country. Keywords: Morbidity, Elderly, Burden, prevalence |
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Corresponding Author: Deepak Chopra drdeepak@iul.ac.in |
How to cite this paper:
Chopra D, Jauhari N, Mishra S. A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study of Health Profile and Pattern of Disease regarding the Elderly in Rural Areas of Uttar Pradesh. J Community Health Research 2023; 12(2): 256-262.
Introduction
Chopra D, Jauhari N, Mishra S. A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study of Health Profile and Pattern of Disease regarding the Elderly in Rural Areas of Uttar Pradesh. J Community Health Research 2023; 12(2): 256-262.
Introduction
Aging is a process which starts from birth and ends with death. It is a continuous, lifelong, irreversible, and inevitable process. It is defined as a progressive and generalized impairment of functioning, leading to the loss of adaptive response to stress and growing risk of age related diseases; the result is progressive increase in age-specific mortality (1). Worldwide, age distribution has shifted towards older population due to increased life span of individuals. India is also showing a similar trend, with the increasing size of the elderly population. Ccurrently, the elderly constitute 8% of India's population (2).
Health status and its outcomes in individuals also depends on certain behavioral risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, etc (3). Other factors like heredity, environment, and personal characteristics like socio-economic status, gender, etc, also influence the elderly's health. Rapid urbanization, more inclination towards nuclear families, and population movement make caring for the elderly a social problem in India (4). Apart from other social life events like retirement and relocation, death of friends and partners also influence the elderly's health (2, 3). The rapid growth of the elderly population presents a new challenge to health system. Hence, to improve the overall quality of life, the burden of disease for the elderly should be reduced.
Formulating health policies requires health statistics for evidence-based formulation of policies and strategies. Health indicators have an influence on policy planning and resource allocation. Various morbidity and mortality indicators such as birth rate, death rate, life expectancy at birth, and morbidity/mortality patterns are vital measures of the population’s health; therefore, various diseases which affect the population's health need to be identified. Morbidity pattern indicates the burden of the disease and time trends, highlighting demographic differences in disease burden by age, sex, ethnic status, etc. The pattern also shows the extent and nature of the disease burden in the community, and thus, assists in establishing priorities for monitoring and evaluating disease control activities, allocating resources, and monitoring the trends for the effect of intervention (5). There has been limited research on the morbidity pattern in community in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Hence, this study aims to determine the prevalence of common morbidities in the elderly age group.
Methods
This was a descriptive and cross-sectional study conducted in rural areas under the field practice area of Rural Health Training center of a tertiary care Institute in Lucknow. The study units eligible for enrolment under the study were elderly population (60 or above). The study was conducted between September, 2019 to January, 2020. A total of 318 eligible study subjects were included in the study. The inclusion criteria were were willingness to participate, and only one member from a family could be enrolled. Those who were not willing to participate, were very sick, or were not able to speak/ give interview, were excluded from the study. The survey team collected data by interviewing eligible study subjects during house to house visit; data were recorded on a pre-tested, pre-designed, and pre-structured questionnaire. Out of a total 18 villages, 9 villages were selected randomly. The sample size of 318 people was divided among these 9 villages (35-36 participants from each village). Subjects were interviewed till the required sample size was reached. A similar process was carried out in all the 9 selected villages.
Study tools
The study tool was a proforma-based questionnaire which was pre-tested and pre-validated. The questionnaire consisted of two sections, first section included socio-demographic details, and the second section was about clinical history and examination. If available, previous health records were also taken into account . Variables included socio-demographic factors such as age, sex, religion, marital status, education, occupation, type of family, family income.
Data analysis
Data were analyzed through SPSS 19. and descriptive statistics were used to explain the results. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee, and the subjects were assured of the confidentiality of their information. Health education regarding disease prevention, control and management, and availability of relevant health services was provided.
Results
Table 1 shows that among 318 participants, the
majority (53%) were between 60-70 ,followed by 35% between 70-80. A slight preponderance of females was observed, and the majority were Hindu (85%). The proportion of illiterate population was only 17 % but among the literate, only 5% were graduated or had higher education degrees.
75% of the participants were married, while 57% were living in a joint family, and 43% had a nuclear family. More than 90% of the subjects belonged to lower-middle to lower socio-economic status as per modified BG Prasad Classification.6
Health status and its outcomes in individuals also depends on certain behavioral risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, etc (3). Other factors like heredity, environment, and personal characteristics like socio-economic status, gender, etc, also influence the elderly's health. Rapid urbanization, more inclination towards nuclear families, and population movement make caring for the elderly a social problem in India (4). Apart from other social life events like retirement and relocation, death of friends and partners also influence the elderly's health (2, 3). The rapid growth of the elderly population presents a new challenge to health system. Hence, to improve the overall quality of life, the burden of disease for the elderly should be reduced.
Formulating health policies requires health statistics for evidence-based formulation of policies and strategies. Health indicators have an influence on policy planning and resource allocation. Various morbidity and mortality indicators such as birth rate, death rate, life expectancy at birth, and morbidity/mortality patterns are vital measures of the population’s health; therefore, various diseases which affect the population's health need to be identified. Morbidity pattern indicates the burden of the disease and time trends, highlighting demographic differences in disease burden by age, sex, ethnic status, etc. The pattern also shows the extent and nature of the disease burden in the community, and thus, assists in establishing priorities for monitoring and evaluating disease control activities, allocating resources, and monitoring the trends for the effect of intervention (5). There has been limited research on the morbidity pattern in community in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Hence, this study aims to determine the prevalence of common morbidities in the elderly age group.
Methods
This was a descriptive and cross-sectional study conducted in rural areas under the field practice area of Rural Health Training center of a tertiary care Institute in Lucknow. The study units eligible for enrolment under the study were elderly population (60 or above). The study was conducted between September, 2019 to January, 2020. A total of 318 eligible study subjects were included in the study. The inclusion criteria were were willingness to participate, and only one member from a family could be enrolled. Those who were not willing to participate, were very sick, or were not able to speak/ give interview, were excluded from the study. The survey team collected data by interviewing eligible study subjects during house to house visit; data were recorded on a pre-tested, pre-designed, and pre-structured questionnaire. Out of a total 18 villages, 9 villages were selected randomly. The sample size of 318 people was divided among these 9 villages (35-36 participants from each village). Subjects were interviewed till the required sample size was reached. A similar process was carried out in all the 9 selected villages.
Study tools
The study tool was a proforma-based questionnaire which was pre-tested and pre-validated. The questionnaire consisted of two sections, first section included socio-demographic details, and the second section was about clinical history and examination. If available, previous health records were also taken into account . Variables included socio-demographic factors such as age, sex, religion, marital status, education, occupation, type of family, family income.
Data analysis
Data were analyzed through SPSS 19. and descriptive statistics were used to explain the results. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee, and the subjects were assured of the confidentiality of their information. Health education regarding disease prevention, control and management, and availability of relevant health services was provided.
Results
Table 1 shows that among 318 participants, the
majority (53%) were between 60-70 ,followed by 35% between 70-80. A slight preponderance of females was observed, and the majority were Hindu (85%). The proportion of illiterate population was only 17 % but among the literate, only 5% were graduated or had higher education degrees.
75% of the participants were married, while 57% were living in a joint family, and 43% had a nuclear family. More than 90% of the subjects belonged to lower-middle to lower socio-economic status as per modified BG Prasad Classification.6
Table 1. Showing the socio-demographic characteristics of the study subjects (N = 318)
| Characteristics | Number | Percent |
| Age group (years) | ||
| 60- 70 | 169 | 53% |
| 70- 80 | 111 | 35% |
| 80- 90 | 35 | 11% |
| 90 - 100 | 3 | 1% |
| Sex | ||
| Male | 153 | 48% |
| Female | 165 | 52% |
| Religion | ||
| Hindu | 270 | 85% |
| Muslim | 41 | 13% |
| Others | 7 | 2% |
| Education | ||
| Illiterate | 54 | 17% |
| Below primary school degree | 89 | 28% |
| Primary school degree | 57 | 18% |
| Junior-high degree | 50 | 16% |
| Senior-high degree | 28 | 9% |
| HS | 22 | 7% |
| Graduate | 18 | 5% |
| Occupation | ||
| Housewife | 136 | 43% |
| Farmer | 35 | 11% |
| Laborer | 16 | 5% |
| Businessperson | 63 | 20% |
| Employed | 20 | 6% |
| Retired | 48 | 15% |
| Marital status | ||
| Married | 241 | 76% |
| Unmarried | 10 | 3% |
| Widow | 58 | 18% |
| Widower | 9 | 3% |
| Type of family | ||
| Nuclear | 136 | 43% |
| Joint | 182 | 57% |
| Socio- economic status | ||
| Lower | 111 | 35% |
| Upper lower | 95 | 30% |
| Lower middle | 73 | 23% |
| Upper middle | 35 | 11% |
| Upper | 4 | 1% |
Table 2 observed that 75% of the participants were suffering from one or two morbidities while approximately one-fourth of the subjects had 3 or more problems. 60% of the participants knew about the family history of chronic diseases, and 70% had some sort of positive family history. Common disorders found in family history were eye problems, hypertension, and diabetes. Behavioral risk factors (addiction/ habit) were present in approximately one-third of study subjects, and smoking was the most common problem.
Table 2. The rate of morbidities and risk factors in study subjects
| Morbidities (N = 318) | Number | Percent |
| One morbidity | 115 | 36% |
| Two morbidities | 128 | 40% |
| Three morbidities | 56 | 18% |
| More than three morbidities | 19 | 6% |
| Number | Percent | |
| Being aware of the family history of NCD (N = 318) | 190 | 60% |
| Positive family history among those who are aware, (N = 190) | 133 | 70% |
| Morbidities regarding positive family history (N = 133) | Number | Percent |
| Eye problems | 18 | 14% |
| Hypertension | 13 | 10% |
| Diabetes | 5 | 4% |
| Behavioural risk factors (N = 318) | Number | Percent |
| Any kind of addiction/ habit | 111 | 35% |
| Smoking (N = 111) | 39 | 35% |
| Smokeless tobacco (N = 111) | 17 | 15% |
| Alcohol (N = 111) | 14 | 13% |
Table 3 shows that the most common ailment affecting the elderly were generalized muscular weakness (63%), followed by gastrointestinal(GI) problems (56%). 45 % and 425% of the study subjects were suffering from Musculoskeletal problems (low back ache, joint pain, osteoarthritis) and anemia respectively. Ophthalmological (vision) problems, respiratory problems, and dermatological disease were observed in 36 %, 28% and 23% respectivelyof the study subjects, cardiovascular diseases 4% were seen. Diabetes was observed in around 5% of study subjects.
Table 3. Morbid conditions in study subjects
| Morbidity condition | Number | Percent |
| Generalized weakness | 200 | 63% |
| G I problems | 179 | 56% |
| Musculoskeletal/ joint problems | 143 | 45% |
| Anemia (clinical) | 133 | 42% |
| Eye related problems (visual problems/ impaired vision) | 115 | 36% |
| Respiratory problems | 89 | 28% |
| Skin problems | 74 | 23% |
| Hypertension | 42 | 13% |
| Dental problems | 34 | 11% |
| Gynecological problems * (only female subjects considered) |
14 | 8% |
| Central nervous system/epilepsy | 26 | 8% |
| Ear, nose, throat/hearing loss/senile deafness/ impaired hearing | 19 | 6% |
| Urinary disturbance | 20 | 6% |
| Diabetes Type II | 16 | 5% |
| Cardiovascular problems/ Ischemic Heart Disease | 13 | 4% |
| Other problems such as malignancies/ insomnia/ depression | 15 | 5% |
Discussion
The majority (53%) of the participants were between 60-70 , followed by 70-80 age group (35%). The findings of the current research were supported by other studies (7-11). This study found the preponderance of female subjects compared to males, in accordance with other studies (7, 9, 11-15). However, some studies found more males participating in the study. This project was conducted during noon hours, implying that the male in the household could have been out for work to earn a living (8, 10). The majority of the subjects were Hindu, and the findings were similar to other studies. In one study, the majority of the populations were muslims (8, 9). Although the level of education was low, most of the participants were literate (83%) and very few (only 5%) were graduate or above. The current study reported a low level of illiteracy among the population in comparison to the other studies (7-9, 13, 15). Female subjects were mainly housewives , while males were mainly retired , which was in line with a study conducted in Assam.14 Approximately, 75% of the cases were currently living with their spouse, and a very small percentage was unmarried or widower. Around 57 % had a joint family, and more than 85% of the subjects belonged to lower-middle to lower socio-economic status. Similar findings were reported by other studies as well (9, 13, 15).
60% of study participants were aware about their family history of disease among whom, a 70%positive family history was observed. The eye (vision) related problems were reported to be the most common in family history, followed by diseases like hypertension and diabetes (10% and 4% respectively). Higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes were reported by Srinivas et al. (13).The difference in findings could be due to the fact that this study was limited to the rural areas with a comparatively less prevalence rate of non-communicable diseases. Smoking (35%) was the most common addiction/ habit among the subjects, similar to the findings reported in other studies (12, 13).
According to the current study, 75% of the participants were suffering from one or two morbidities, similar to findings in other studies (11, 13, 14). The generalized muscular weakness was reported in 63% of the subjects, followed by GI problems. Various studies reported different rates of morbidities (7, 9, 13, 15). The current study discovered that the prevalence of anemia was about 40% ,which was in concordance with the research reported from other parts of India (8, 11, 14-16). The prevalence of musculoskeletal problems (low back pain, joint pain, osteoarthritis) in this study was around 45%, which was quite similar to Ghosh A et al.'s research (2015). However, higher or lower prevalence rate was reported in other studies (7, 9, 11, 13, 15). Eye (vision)- related problems were found in one-third of the cases, and the same was reported by many studies. Some studies, observed a higher prevalence of impaired vision while some other reported a lower prevalence of impaired vision, compared with the current study (5, 9-11, 13, 15).
The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes were about 13% and 5% respectively in this research. This is while other studies predominantly reported a higher prevalence (even upto 52%) of hypertension (7, 10-12, 15). A hospital-based study reported the prevalence of diabetes to be higher than hypertension.5 Respiratory problems were seen in 28% of the study subjects, which was similar to one study but not in concurrence with other studies (7, 9, 13, 15). A similar trend was observed for neurological and urinary problems, and mental health and gynecological conditions (7, 9, 15-17). Cardiovascular disease was observed in 4% of the cases , which was lower than the findings by other studies (9, 11, 13, 15). Thus, morbidity pattern in the elderly was different in different parts of the country.
Conclusion
The prevalence of the diseases in elderly population are different in different parts of India, which makes it imperative for a larger national level research to find out the actual morbidity burden.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank the faculties of Community Medicine department for their support. They are also grateful to all the staff for making arrangements to conduct the study. This research has been approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee, and has followed the highest possible standards of the code of ethics.
Conflict of interest
The authors declared no conflict of interest.
Funding
None
Ethical considerations
The study followed all the ethical principles of research and followed voluntary participation, informed consent, anonymity, confidentiality, potential for harm, and results communication.
Code of Ethics
The study has been approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee and has followed the highest possible standards of code of ethics
Authors’ contributions
S. M, participated in the writing and designing of the study and drafted the manuscript; D. C, was involved in writing and designing of the study, performed the statistical analysis, and finalized the manuscript.
Open Access Policy
JCHR does not charge readers and their institution for access to its papers. Full text download of all new and archived papers are free of charge.
The majority (53%) of the participants were between 60-70 , followed by 70-80 age group (35%). The findings of the current research were supported by other studies (7-11). This study found the preponderance of female subjects compared to males, in accordance with other studies (7, 9, 11-15). However, some studies found more males participating in the study. This project was conducted during noon hours, implying that the male in the household could have been out for work to earn a living (8, 10). The majority of the subjects were Hindu, and the findings were similar to other studies. In one study, the majority of the populations were muslims (8, 9). Although the level of education was low, most of the participants were literate (83%) and very few (only 5%) were graduate or above. The current study reported a low level of illiteracy among the population in comparison to the other studies (7-9, 13, 15). Female subjects were mainly housewives , while males were mainly retired , which was in line with a study conducted in Assam.14 Approximately, 75% of the cases were currently living with their spouse, and a very small percentage was unmarried or widower. Around 57 % had a joint family, and more than 85% of the subjects belonged to lower-middle to lower socio-economic status. Similar findings were reported by other studies as well (9, 13, 15).
60% of study participants were aware about their family history of disease among whom, a 70%positive family history was observed. The eye (vision) related problems were reported to be the most common in family history, followed by diseases like hypertension and diabetes (10% and 4% respectively). Higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes were reported by Srinivas et al. (13).The difference in findings could be due to the fact that this study was limited to the rural areas with a comparatively less prevalence rate of non-communicable diseases. Smoking (35%) was the most common addiction/ habit among the subjects, similar to the findings reported in other studies (12, 13).
According to the current study, 75% of the participants were suffering from one or two morbidities, similar to findings in other studies (11, 13, 14). The generalized muscular weakness was reported in 63% of the subjects, followed by GI problems. Various studies reported different rates of morbidities (7, 9, 13, 15). The current study discovered that the prevalence of anemia was about 40% ,which was in concordance with the research reported from other parts of India (8, 11, 14-16). The prevalence of musculoskeletal problems (low back pain, joint pain, osteoarthritis) in this study was around 45%, which was quite similar to Ghosh A et al.'s research (2015). However, higher or lower prevalence rate was reported in other studies (7, 9, 11, 13, 15). Eye (vision)- related problems were found in one-third of the cases, and the same was reported by many studies. Some studies, observed a higher prevalence of impaired vision while some other reported a lower prevalence of impaired vision, compared with the current study (5, 9-11, 13, 15).
The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes were about 13% and 5% respectively in this research. This is while other studies predominantly reported a higher prevalence (even upto 52%) of hypertension (7, 10-12, 15). A hospital-based study reported the prevalence of diabetes to be higher than hypertension.5 Respiratory problems were seen in 28% of the study subjects, which was similar to one study but not in concurrence with other studies (7, 9, 13, 15). A similar trend was observed for neurological and urinary problems, and mental health and gynecological conditions (7, 9, 15-17). Cardiovascular disease was observed in 4% of the cases , which was lower than the findings by other studies (9, 11, 13, 15). Thus, morbidity pattern in the elderly was different in different parts of the country.
Conclusion
The prevalence of the diseases in elderly population are different in different parts of India, which makes it imperative for a larger national level research to find out the actual morbidity burden.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank the faculties of Community Medicine department for their support. They are also grateful to all the staff for making arrangements to conduct the study. This research has been approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee, and has followed the highest possible standards of the code of ethics.
Conflict of interest
The authors declared no conflict of interest.
Funding
None
Ethical considerations
The study followed all the ethical principles of research and followed voluntary participation, informed consent, anonymity, confidentiality, potential for harm, and results communication.
Code of Ethics
The study has been approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee and has followed the highest possible standards of code of ethics
Authors’ contributions
S. M, participated in the writing and designing of the study and drafted the manuscript; D. C, was involved in writing and designing of the study, performed the statistical analysis, and finalized the manuscript.
Open Access Policy
JCHR does not charge readers and their institution for access to its papers. Full text download of all new and archived papers are free of charge.
References
1. World Health Organization DA. Health care of elderly. A Manual for Trainers of physicians in Primary & secondary health care facilities, who regional office for South East Asia; WHO. 2001; 11-3.
2. Census of India. Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India; 2011. Available at: URL: http://www.censusindia.gov.in/vital_statistics/SRS_ Report/9Chap%202%20-%202011.pdf.
3. World Health Organization. Regional strategy for healthy ageing, 2013-2018. WHO; Geneva: 2014. ISBN 978-92-9022-454-9. Available at: URL: http://www.searo.who.int/entity/ healthy_ageing/about/en/.
4. Lena A, Ashok K, Padma M, et al. Health and social problems of the elderly: A cross-sectional study in Udupi Taluk, Karnataka. Indian journal of community medicine: official publication of Indian Association of Preventive & Social Medicine. 2009; 34(2): 131.
5. Chopra D, Manchanda S, Manchanda S, et al. A Study of morbidity pattern in indoor patients in a tertiary care hospital in Lucknow. National Journal of Community Medicine. 2017; 8(04): 169-73.
6. Vasudevan J, Mishra AK, Singh Z. An update on BG Prasad’s socioeconomic scale: May 2016. Int J Res Med Sci. 2016; 4(9): 4183-6.
7. Kamble SV, Ghodke YD, Dhumale GB, et al. Health status of elderly persons in rural area of India. Indian Medical Gazette. 2012; 2012: 295-9.
8. Verma V, Prakash S, Parveen K, et al. A comparative study of morbidity pattern in elderly of rural and urban areas of Allahabad district, Uttar Pradesh, India. Int J Community Med Public Health. 2016; 3(5): 1152-6.
9. Ghosh A, Sarkar D, Pal R, et al. A profile of common morbidities among elderly rural Indian population. Am J Public Health Res. 2015; 3(5A): 29-31.
10. Rafiq M, Yasmeen A, Shalinder R. Health problems of the elderly in Budgam District (J&K): A cross sectional study. International Journal Contemporary Medical Research. 2016; 3(12): 3456-8.
11. Kumar R, Bahal SP, Srivastava A. Morbidity pattern of geriatric population in rural areas of western Uttar Pradesh. International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health. 2016; 5(3): 430-4.
12. Mundada V, Jadhav V, Gaikwad AV. Study of addiction problems and morbidity among geriatric population in rural area of Aurangabad district. Journal of Mid-life Health. 2013; 4(3): 172.
13. Srinivas PJ, Manjubhashini S. A study on morbidity profile among elderly population in Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh. Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences. 2014; 13(9): 21-5.
14. Karmakar N, Nag K, Datta A, et al. A cross-sectional study on morbidity pattern of elderly population residing in a rural area of Tripura. Int J Res Med Sci. 2017; 5(11): 5030-5.
15. Hameed S, Kumar N, Naik PM, et al. Morbidity Pattern among the Elderly Population in A Rural Area of Dakshin Kannada, Karnataka–A Cross Sectional Study. National Journal of Community Medicine. 2015; 6(02): 222-5.
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Review: Research |
Subject:
Public Health
Received: 2021/05/25 | Accepted: 2023/09/18 | Published: 2023/11/28
Received: 2021/05/25 | Accepted: 2023/09/18 | Published: 2023/11/28
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