Geriatric health problems in rural area in Kalyobia governorate

ABSTRACT

Geriatric population have multiple health problems, through detection of these problems, it is possible to reduce their incidence. A cross-sectional study was conducted in El shukr village in Kalyobia Governorate for elderly people [>/= 60 years] during the period from June to August 1998. This study was carried out to determine the relation between some sociodemographic factors and health status of the elderly people. The study included 324-target population [>/= 60 years], males were constituted 38.9% and females were 61.1%. The mean ages of males and females were 61.3 +/- 9.2 and 64.3 +/- 3.9 respectively. A questionnaire including information about some sociodemographic characteristics, past and present history of common diseases was used. It was found that, the highly prevalent health problems among the studied population were sensory organs disorders [61.1%], neuromuscular impairment [37.7%], hypertension [36.7%] and gastrointestinal disorders [35.2%]. The lowest prevalent health problem was mental changes [7.1%]. It is recommended that. Geriatric health program for prevention and management of health problems that are prevalent among the elderly, should be fully integrated with the primary health care services