study of life style and morbidity profile among geriatric population in Kashmir, India

ABSTRACT

To study the life style and morbidity profile of elderly population in Kashmir valley. Exploratory in nature with application of quantitive and qualitative research methodology,.multistage sampling, questionnaires/schedules [close ended questions], house to house visit covering all elderly aged above 65 years living in one of the village where a sub center is located, Rural and Urban areas of district Budgam, J and K state. Six hundred and ninety two persons aged 65 years and above, 578 from rural and 114 from urban area. Among 692 elderly registered in the study, 321 were males and 371 were females. A large number of the subjects [89%] were suffering from at least one medical problem. Morbidity among rural subjects was observed to be less when compared to urban subjects. Females had higher rate of morbidity. Common presenting symptoms were pain/ swelling of joints [36.5%], backache [20.2%], indigestion/ heartburn [17.7%], headache [17.4%] and excessive tiredness. Medical history and physical examination by the physician revealed that most common diseases in order of frequency were hypertension [58%], osteoporosis-[50.55%],cataract [18.51%], gastritis [17.67%] and benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH] [13.14%].Most of the elderly female had osteoporosis and the males were suffering from prostate BPH. Finding from this study support paying attention to the geriatric population, as the prevalence of morbidity among elderly is very high. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop geriatric health care services, and separate geriatric OPDs should be established at all the hospitals. Special hospitals are needed for mental and badly incapacitated old patients