Morbidity Pattern among Geriatric Population in a Rural Setting: A Community Based Study. -

Background: Ageing is a universal and inevitable phenomenon, beginning at birth which should be regarded as a normal biological process leading to functional deterioration, vulnerability to illnesses & ultimately culminating in extinction of life. Proportion of geriatric population is increasing worldwide and majority of them are expected to live in developing countries. Aims: To find out the prevalence of morbidities and major morbid conditions among the geriatric population of a rural area. Methods and Material: This was a cross sectional community based study conducted in a rural field practice area of Azeezia Institute of Medical Sciences, Kerala from January 2012 to June 2012. Data was collected using predesigned and pretested questionnaire by random sampling. Persons aged 60 and above were included in the study. Proportions, Percentage and Chi-square test were used for analyzing the data. Results: Out of 211 participants, majority were females 55 %. Majority of female participants were cashew factory workers by occupation while many male participants were farmers. More than half of participants were below poverty line and were receiving pension. All the participants had one or the other morbidity with the mean morbidity being 3. The most common morbid conditions were visual, musculoskeletal, diabetes, hypertension, respiratory ailments, hearing and dermatological problems. Morbidities were higher among female participants and in below poverty line group which was found to be statistically significant. Conclusions: This study showed a high prevalence of morbidity and identified the common morbid conditions. Comprehensive geriatric assessment and integrated geriatric services can reduce the prevalence of diseases to a great extent.