Risk factors of morbidity status among elderly in rural field practice area of a Medical College

Abstract

Background: The increase in the expectancy of the life has resulted in the increased elderly population and at the same time increase in diseases of chronic in nature and degenerative diseases. Chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, stroke, cancers etc are on the increase Objective: To study the associated risk factors for various morbidities among elderly population in the rural field practice area Methods: A community based cross sectional study was carried out among 832 randomly selected elderly persons in the rural area. Common morbid conditions like diabetes, hypertension, gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory diseases, psychological diseases were surveyed. Associated risk factors were studied. Data was analyzed using odds ratio, chi square. Results: the prevalence of hypertension was 42.4%. It was found to be associated with advanced age of more than 70 years. The prevalence of diabetes was 14.1%.it was found to be associated with lack of physical exercise and alcohol use. The prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases was 26.1%. It was associated with age, lack of physical exercise and alcohol use. The prevalence of respiratory diseases was 6.5%. It was associated with lack of physical exercise, alcohol use. The prevalence of psychological diseases was 2.3%. It was associated with lack of physical exercise. Conclusion: The most common morbid condition among elderly was hypertension in 42.4%. Lack of physical exercise was the most common risk factor for all the morbidities studied except hypertension.

Keywords

• risk factors
• morbidities
• elderly
• rural area