Morbidity Pattern Among Elderly Population In A Rural Area Of Dehradun In Uttaranchal

Abstract

Research Question : What is the morbidity pattern among elderly people in rural area of Dehradun? Objectives : (1)     To assess the morbidity pattern among elderly population. (2)     To assess the psycho-social problems among elderly people. (3)     To assess the relationship between addiction and hypertension among them. Study design : Cross-Sectional. Setting : Atturwala - a rural area of district Dehradun in Uttaranchal. Participants : 332 elderly people aged 60 years and above. Statistical Analysis : Proportions, Chi-Square test. Results ; It was observed that 78.3% elderly had ophthalmic problem, 69.3% elderly had psycho-social problems followed by hypertension (49.1%), Chronic bronchitis (22%) and asthma (12%). A significant relation was found between hypertention and addiction i. e. smoking and / or alcohol (p<.001). Respiratory diseases were found in 47.3% elderly persons. Depression was highly dominating problem among elderly (59.6%).