A cross sectional study on morbidity profile among geriatric population in a rural area in Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Objective: The present study was done to assess the morbidity profile of the elderly population in rural field practice area, Sripuram (RHTC) of Sree Balaji Medical College & Hospital and also to study the association between certain socio - demographic and economic determinants with the morbidities. Results: Overall prevalence of the geriatric morbidity was 277 (92.3%) with 95% CI of 88.7 – 94.9. The highest morbidity was found with diabetes 118(39.3%) followed by Musculoskeletal problems 112 (37.3%), Hypertension 107 (35.7%). The association between certain demographic characteristics like age, occupation, marital status and Some of the socio-economic characteristics like socio economic status, type of family and source of income were observed to be statistically significant with the geriatric morbidities. Conclusion: The present study gives the morbidity pattern prevalent among geriatric population in rural area and it also marks the need for the elderly people to be educated regarding their health problems and importance of regular treatment and follow up.