Journal of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University (Oct 2020)
A Cross Sectional Study on Assessment of Health Problems and Psychosocial Problems of Elderly Tribal Population
Abstract
Background: India has nearly 9% of tribal population; around 6.9% of elderly was 60 years and above. Health problems are major concern for elderly as they are prone for numerous ailments, disability and morbidity due to aging process. Scientific facts envisage that the elderly population has comorbidity including psychosocial problems, which was associated with advance age, gender, life style factors and socioeconomic status. Assessment of bio-psycho-social problems has significant implications for wellbeing and quality of life of elderly. Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the health problems and psychosocial problems of elderly population residing at tribal area, and its association with socio-demographic attributes. Material and Methods: Non experimental, descriptive study with cross sectional survey was carried out among 120 elderly populations at Akole Taluka, Ahmednagar District of Maharashtra. The prevalidated structured proforma was used to collect data related to study variables. The ethical principles of biomedical research were kept in mind during the course of study. The survey was conducted with the help of structured proforma which includes Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE), Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and Geriatric Depression Scale (DGS). Collected data was analyzed by using appropriate statistical methods wherever required. Results: The findings revealed that elderly population of tribal area suffers (34%) cognitive impairment, (21%) depression, and (5%) mental illness and other numerous physical problems, morbidity and psychosocial problems like helplessness, isolation, death anxiety etc. Advanced age (x2=3.87) associated with cognitive impairment, and living status of elderly (x2=7.41) had significant association with depression at p<0.05 level and it was evident that a positive correlation was existed between the study variables. Conclusion: Elderly at tribal area had high prevalence of cognitive impairment, depression and psychosocial problems. It is required to provide cost effective geriatric health care services in conjunction with traditional health care practices to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of elderly population.
