A cross-sectional study on morbidity pattern of elderly population residing in a rural area of Tripura

摘要

Background: The elderly is one of the most vulnerable and high-risk groups in terms of health and their health seeking behaviour is crucial in any society. A major component of the burden of illness for the elderly derives from prevalent chronic disease. The objective of study aims to find out morbidity pattern of elderly population aged 60 years and above. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was done in rural areas of Madhupur, Sepahijala district, Tripura from August 2015-January 2016. A total of 260 (elderly aged 60 years and above) study participants were selected by simple random sampling. Results: Majority (52.7%) were between 60-70 years of age, least (1.5%) was in 90-100 years age group. Most of the study population (84.6%) were Hindu and female were more than male (51.9 % vs 48.1%). Majority (38.8%) of them were suffering from two (2) morbidities and 8.1% of study population had 4 and more morbidities. Non-specific generalized weakness was the most common (62.7%) morbidity, followed by gastrointestinal problems (56%) found in geriatric population. Musculoskeletal problems (low back pain, joint pain, osteoarthritis) were 45% followed by anaemia (42%) and impaired vision (36%). Increasing age group and non-smoke tobacco habit among the elderly population was associated with number of morbidities (≥ 3 morbidities/ person) per person (p <0.05). Conclusions: The study showed high prevalence of morbidities among elderly population. Non-specific generalized weakness was one of the most important problems in this age group. We have to find out the underlying cause of this non-specific generalized weakness by further clinical examination and laboratory investigations in future research.