Socio-clinical and Health related Problems of the Geriatric Population: Astudy in Ganjam district of South Odisha.

ABSTRACT

With a rapidly increasing geriatric population the epidemiological data regarding the socio-clinical profile & health related problems are urgently required for proper health planning. Objective was to study the Socio-clinical profile and Health related problems of the elderly and their attitude towards life. The present study was a descriptive study carried out in the Geriatric Clinic of MKCG Medical College, Hospital. A total of 315 elderly patients (60 years old and above) who attended the geriatric clinic were interviewed using a pre-tested schedule. Findings were described in terms of proportions and percentages to study the socio-economic status of the samples and its correlation to social problems. It was found that around 72% of the patients belonged to the age group of 60-69 years old. Nearly 32% of the respondents were illiterate. Around 48% felt they were not happy in life. A majority of them had health problems such as hypertension followed by arthritis, diabetes, asthma, cataract, and anemia. About 68% of the patients said that the attitude of people towards the elderly was that of neglect. The results of the study showed that there is a need for geriatric counseling centers that can take care of their physical and psychological needs. The stringent rules for eligibility to social security schemes should be made more flexible to cover a larger population.