Morbidity Pattern Among the Elderly Population in A Rural Area of Dakshin Kannada, Karnataka–A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: As the ageing population is increasing, the burden of their health problems is on a rise. Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study was con- ducted among elderly population aged 60 years and above resid- ing in the rural field practice area of A.J. Institute of Medical Sci- ences & Research Centre in Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, India. Results: The mean age of the participants was 66.9±6.3years. Out of 375 elderly participants, females were 57.9%. In the study pop- ulation only 3.7% elderly were not suffering from any form of morbidity. Majority (25.3%) of them were suffering from 3 mor- bidities and 12.5% had 5 and more morbidities. Major morbidities of the study population were impaired vision followed by hyper- tension and joint problems. The proportion of arthritis, anaemia and obesity were significantly higher among females than among male participants. Conclusion: The study among the elderly in Dakshina Kannada District, has highlighted a prevalence of visual complaints, hyper- tension and joint problems in the population. As the study shows that there is a higher prevalence of multimorbidity among the rural population, geriatric health care should be given due em- phasis in health care services.

Keywords

• Geriatric
• Morbidity pattern
• Kannada
• Rural