RESUMO
Background: The increasing number of the elderly persons and their health problems has greater implications on public health programs in developing countries. Estimates of health problems of the elderly are required from time to time to predict trends in disease burden and to further plan health care for them. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalent diseases and places for seeking treatment among the elderly in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Data & Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out for the elderly people (60 years & above) and the information was collected in a pre-tested instrument. Using multistage stratified random sampling procedure, a total of 417 elderly respondents were participated in the study. Information was sought on the respondents' socio-demographic characteristics, living arrangements and self-reported diseases suffering by the elderly. Results: Maximum numbers of diseased cases were among females (38.06 %) than males (26.45 %). Breathing problem was found one of the major problems among each sex of the elderly. It was found that more than half of the elderly living alone were suffering from one or more diseases. Most of the elderly of lower and middle social status groups were more inclined towards the private health facilities. About one-third of male and female elderly covered more than 5 kms from their residence to seek their treatment. Conclusion: Breathing problem and joint problems were prevalent in both male and female elderly populations. Social status and age of the elderly play important role in seeking treatment from the private/government health care facilities.