A cross-sectional study on morbidity profile of the elderly population in an urban slum of Kurnool city, A.P, India

Background: Ageing is an universal process. With an increase in life expectancy, problems related to old age have also increased. There is a need to understand the problems faced by older adults. Hence the present study is taken up. Objectives: [1] To study the morbidity profile among the elderly. [2] To determine the factors associated with morbidity profile. Methods: A cross-sectional, Community based study was carried out in an urban slum of Kurnool city from September 2020 to October 2020 after obtaining IEC clearance. This urban slum (Maddur Nagar) has a population of 3548. Out of which above 60 years old constitute 233. Participants who were willing and gave consent were included (220).  Data collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used as a screening test for cognitive impairment. Data analysis was done using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 21. Results: The majority belonged to the age group 60-69 yrs. Nearly 2/3rd were Hindu, 15% were living alone. Illiterates were 41%. Most of the participants (95.5%) suffered from morbidities. The most common morbidities identified were joint pains, anemia, low backache, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. The feeling of loneliness was reported by 58%, and the sense of neglect was among 66.8%. 1/3rd of the elderly suffered from COVID-19 disease. A significant association was between female sex and obesity, anemia, low-back ache, and joint pains. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dental problems and COVID -19were associated with the male gender. Conclusions: The majority of the study participants were suffering from morbidities. The burden is increased with age.