An epidemiological study of impairment in activities of daily living among geriatric population in Mehrauli area of South Delhi.

Background: Ageing poses significant health challenges, with rising life expectancy leading to increased disability among the elderly. Impairment in Activities of Daily Living (ADL), essential for self-care and independence, burdens caregivers as well as healthcare systems. It is a major concern for policymakers all around the world.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of ADL impairment among the geriatric population in Mehrauli, South Delhi, and to study the various factors associated with it.

Methods: A community-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Mehrauli, South Delhi, from November 2022 to February 2024. Data were collected from 338 participants using a semi-structured interview schedule. ADL impairment was assessed using the Katz Index.

Results: The prevalence of ADL impairment was 8.9%. Most participants were aged 60-69 years (74.6%) with a mean age of 66.28 ± 7.12 years. Females constituted 53.3% of the sample. Significant associations were observed between ADL impairment and age group, as well as the presence of chronic illness (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Chronic morbidity is a key determinant of ADL impairment and disability among the elderly. With the increasing elderly population, addressing chronic morbidity is essential to reduce the burden of disability and unmet needs. Timely interventions targeting chronic conditions are critical to improving the quality of life for older adults.