ABSTRACT
The health status and the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, glaucoma and visual disorders of 123 elderly people (56 men, 67 women) in the Marigot Health District, Dominica, were assessed by means of four questionnaires; collection of data from their medical records; physical examination, measurement of blood pressure, visual acuity and intra-ocular pressure (IOP); and testing for glucosuria. The overall health status was good, but 20were dependent on care. 74were independent in the activities in daily life, with only moderate limitations in activities. The health status decreased considerably in those over 75 years of age. There were slight perceived differences in health status between men and women. About 40of the study population were known to be hypertensive, and another 13had an elevated blood pressure on examination. Diabetes mellitus was present in 15. 20had a visual acuity of 0.1 or below, and 10had an elevated IOP. During the study, a considerable number of new cases of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and elevated IOP were diagnosed. 50of the study population who were on medication used this more than as prescribed. This study indicates a high prevalence of the secondary complications of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cataract, glaucoma and osteo-arthritis that cause disability and dependency in the elderly population. Education, diagnosis at an early stage and appropriate treatment of these disorders may prevent or delay their development. We sugggest the development of a programme oriented approach of primary health care for the elderly to support this.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Health Status , Intraocular Pressure , Visual Acuity , Activities of Daily Living , Cataract/epidemiology , Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology , Dominica/epidemiology , Physical Examination , Age Factors , Sex Factors , Glaucoma/epidemiology , Glycosuria/epidemiology , Hypertension/epidemiology , Osteoarthritis/epidemiology , Arterial Pressure , Prevalence , Surveys and Questionnaires , Medical Records , Vision Disorders/epidemiologyABSTRACT
In the Commonwealth of Dominica, the health and disability status of 108 people who, fo various reasons, are confined to their homes -- the so-called "shut-ins" -- were studied. Eighty per cent of them were over 65 years of age and 10//were children. Most shut-ins were independent in self-care but dependent in general activities. Their overall health was poor. Twenty-one suffered from diseases of the musculo-skeletal system c.q. osteoarthritis. 13 from blindness of various origins, 13 from neurological diseases, 13 from CVA, psychosis or dementia and 13 from different other diseases. One-third suffered from more than one disease. A special programme would be required to optimize the home-care for the shut-ins and to encourage them to become more active