A study on morbidity patterns among geriatric age group population in urban field practice area of Department of Community Medicine, Guntur Medical College, Guntur.

Abstract

Background: The immune system of elderly people is weak which provokes them for increased susceptibility to infections leading to great concern for their health.

Aim and objectives: This study was conducted to explore the morbidity profile, to identify determinants and predictors of morbidity, to determine their health care seeking behavior, and to recommend required measures to be taken for the benefit of the geriatric individual's health.

Methodology: After approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee and informed consent from participants, a community-based cross-sectional study was conducted by using a prevalidated questionnaire among the geriatric population.

Results: Out of 250 population, 58.4% were females and 41.6% males. The mean age of the population was 70.5 ± 4.94 years. The literacy rate was 71.2%. 58.8% were having good health care seeking behavior. In this study, majority of individuals (58%) had hypertension in association with musculoskeletal problems, followed by diabetes in association with hypertension (34%). Morbidities were statistically significant among females, alcoholics, nonvegetarians, people with low socioeconomic status and those with overweight.

Conclusion: The current study identified more morbidities among females, smokers, nonvegetarians, individuals with low socioeconomic status, those with overweight and those who do not exercise. These morbidities may be due to physiological age-related changes or due to any underlying pathology or even due to changes in life style habits. As this age group is mostly dependent on others, family physicians and primary care providers provide consistent and long-term care and also educate both patients and their families in managing age-related conditions, promoting healthier lifestyles and preparing for future health challenges. The government also must do its role in providing social security schemes and National Health Programs to the elderly individuals and enhance the health infrastructure at the ground level.