Morbidity Pattern among Geriatric Population in a Rural Field Practice Area of a Tertiary Medical College & Hospital in Trivandrum District, Kerala, South India- A Community based Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Ageing is a universal process regarded as normal biological phenomenon 1 . Morbidity refers to departure from a state of physical or psychological wellbeing resulting from disease, illness, injury or sickness, especially where the affected individual is aware of his or her condition. Objective: To assess the morbidity pattern among elderly population (aged equal to/ above 60 years) in a rural field practice area of Dr SMCSI medical college and hospital from July to August 2019 Study design: Community based Cross-sectional Study Sample Size: 101 Study Population: Geriatric age group (≥ 60 years) Study area: Field practice area around Dr SMCSI MCH, Karakonam. Assessment: Semi structured questionnaire by face-to-face interview
Results: Majority (97%) of the respondents had chronic morbidities. 79% have visual impairment and 60% of them have hypertension. Among the respondents having 2 co morbidities vision impairment and dental problems are the commonest and among 3 comorbidities Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, vision impairment are the commonest, among 4 co morbidities Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Dyslipidemia, vision impairment are the commonest and among 5 co morbidities, Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Dyslipidemia, visual impairment, cataract are common. Conclusion: This study shows in short that majority (97%) of the respondents had one comorbidity or the other. Visual impairment (79%) was the most common followed by Systemic hypertension (59.4%). Lack of regular hospital visits and financial assistance were the major contributors.