RESUMO
Background: According to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, every year 28-35% of people over 65 years and 32-42% of people over 70 years experience falls. Given that many falls are preventable, can occur in any population, and can result in significant morbidity and mortality, falls are receiving more attention as a major global issue. Objective: The objectives of this study were as follows: 1. To measure the prevalence of falls among the elderly living in the Thrissur Taluk Health Centre. 2. To identify the risk factors associated with falls in the elderly using the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries (CDCs STEADI) 2019 scale and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) scale. 3. To find the association between the risk factors and the prevalence of fall among older people. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to find the prevalence of fall among the elderly in Thrissur Taluk Health Centers. CDCs STEADI 2019 fall risk assessment tool was used to assess the risk factors associated with the elderly. TUG test was used to determine gait, balance, strength, and posture. Results: In our study, we discovered a prevalence of 41 percent of falls among the community-dwelling older adults of Thrissur. This study has shown that the risk of fall was higher among the female elderly population. 88% are found to be at high risk of fall, and 65% of the population were worried about fall. Conclusion: This study found out a high prevalence of falls among community dwelling older adults.A future study with a larger sample size would be more helpful to confirm the impact of different variables in relation to the risk of fall among the elderly.
RESUMO
Introduction: Globally, the elderly population is growing at a rate of 2.6% per year. Understanding the health profile and healthcare needs of the elderly is important. The elderly is the most vulnerable and high-risk groups in terms of health status. Their healthcare-seeking behaviour is crucial in any society. There is a need to generate awareness among the public, politicians, and policymakers regarding multiple issues related to the ageing population in the country. Objective: To know the health profile and health-related problems of geriatric patients visiting the department of geriatrics at a medical college. Methodology: A five-year retrospective analysis of medical records of patients visiting the department of geriatrics from 4 September 2016 to 4 September 2021 was done using Microsoft Excel software and IBM SPSS Statistics. All records in that duration were reviewed and included. Results: Descriptive statistics of medical and dental problems of geriatric patients were recorded. The association of medical and dental problems with gender was assessed. Conclusion: A majority of geriatricians are unaware of oral health problems. Medical-dental collaboration is inadequate and should be improved in geriatrics.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Oral health reflects overall well-being for the elderly population. In elderly people, oral health contributes significantly towards quality of life (QOL). Good health is essential for older people to remain independent and to play a part in family and community life. Epidemiological data on health and its related issues are very important in order to plan for future health care provision. OBJECTIVES: To assess the oral health status,treatment needs and oral health related quality of life using GOHAI indexin elderly patients in Kalpetta. METHODOLOGY: A cross sectional study was conducted in the elderly patients reporting to the OPD of Amritakripa Hospital, Kalpetta. Oral Health status was assessed by structured proforma and WHO oral health assessment form 2013 which included DMFT score, Periodontal status, Oral Mucosal lesions, Treatment needs etc. Oral health related quality of life was assessed by Geriatric oral health assessment index. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20 and descriptive status were obtained. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 214 females and 66 males.70.7% of of participants were illiterate. 96.4% of the population(270)were having daily wage <500. 59.3% of population were unaware about oral health problems. Emergency treatment was need in 41.4% of population. On assessing oral health related quality of life, Male population found to have GOHAI score of 26.44 and that for the female population, it was 19.72.GOHAI score was compared for prosthetic status and age also. Considering the psychological parameters, suggest that this group of elderly in Kerala does not regard poor oral health as barriers to social interactions. CONCLUSION: The oral disease burden is very high in tribes. The prevalence of the tobacco habits is of concern. Education and motivation of these laity is needed to improve their oral health.
