A cross-sectional study on morbidity and disability among the geriatric age group in select urban slums
Journal Title: International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health - Year 2015, Vol 4, Issue 6
Abstract
Background: Functional health status greatly influences quality of life at old age. Population-based data on health problems, functional status, behavioral risk factors, health care use, and social circumstances are imperative for public health intervention with elderly people. Lack of infrastructure amplifies the morbidity and disability among the elderly, especially in slums, because of additional factors such as poverty, poor hygiene, and lack of awareness. As a result, health problems such as cataract, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis, emotional problems, insomnia, and hearing defect are prevailing among them. Objective: To characterize the morbidity and disability of the elderly population living in the slums of Shimoga, Karnataka. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study was carried out among the elderly population in three slums located in the urban field practice area of Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences. Data were collected from 460 elderly individuals by doing a house-to-house visit. Results: Majority of the elderly people belonged to the lower socioeconomic strata. The habit of tobacco chewing was more compared to smoking. A higher number of both men and women consumed alcohol. Health service use was very poor. Approximately 90% of them did not seek services from the known health-care delivery services in case of illnesses. Awareness about the common health problems was more in men (74.7%) compared to women (43.4%). Chronic and noncommunicable conditions such as hypertension, musculoskeletal problems, cataract, and respiratory conditions were the commonly observed health problems. Conclusion: The chronic noncommunicable diseases have been a major issue even among the people living in the slums. As the awareness about the common illnesses is poor, the challenge is to identify the reasons behind this and ensuring an increase in the levels of awareness as regards use of health-care services.
Authors and Affiliations
Praveen Kumar N
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP90020
- DOI 10.5455/ijmsph.2015.24012015165
- Views 149
- Downloads 0
Analytical study of factors determining success rate of trial of scar (TOS)
Background: Cesarean section (CS) is the most commonly performed operation in modern obstetrics. To combat the increasing CS rates without facing any medicolegal controversies, one must be aware of the factors influe...
Whatsapp enhances Medical education: Is it the future?
Background: Whatsapp, launched in the year 2009, has exploded to 400 million active users each month. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of Whatsapp to enhance medical education in Indian medical s...
Rigorous accreditation of medical institutions – The need of the hour
The goal of medical education is to create doctors who have the necessary knowledge, skills and aptitude to fulfil the healthcare needs of the society, while upholding the dignity of the profession. A Five Star...
Effect of smoking on selected blood parameters
Background: Smoking is not only a physical recidivism, but also a psychological inveteracy. Chronic effects of cigarette smoking on haematological parameters, with a good control side by side, were studied b...
Prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors among staff of Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences, Raichur
Background: Hypertension is a chronic condition of concern due to its role in the causation of coronary heart disease, stroke and other vascular complications. It is one of the important risk factor...