COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL HOSPITAL BASED STUDY

Abstract

Background: The health problems of elderly are often nonspecific and the pattern of disease keeps changing. Therefore, it is essential to know the burden of disease especially in developing countries so that policy could be made to overcome the morbidity associated with it. The present study was done to identify the geriatric health problems in Geriatric patients coming to Geriatric clinic in a tertiary care centre.

Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was carried in Geriatric clinic with patients aged over 60 years in 100 patients. Basic demographic data and clinical history was taken by physician. Categorical variables were summarized by percentages. Associations were explored with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results: Out of 100 patients 61 were males and 39 were females. Visual impairment was the most common handicap with prevalence of 89%, with males more affected than females. Weight loss was there in 47% of patients. Forty two percent has depression and 41% has arthritis. Apart from these uncorrected hearing impairment was present in 46% of patients. Urinary complaints were more common in males.

Conclusion: It was found that elderly population has all kind of ailments so a multidispliniary approach should be there in every Geriatric Clinic so that each co-morbid condition can be taken care off.