Study of Morbidity Profile of Elderly at Old Age Homes and Its Association with Disability

Introduction:-Health status is an important factor that has a significant impact on the quality of life of an elderly population. Evaluation of morbidity profile among elderly people and the impact of chronic conditions on functional disability will help in the application of intervention to improve the health status and quality of life of elderly Objectives:- To assess morbidity among elderly residing at old age homes and to determine relationship of  morbidity with disability  and socio-demographic factors. Material and methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among elderly people with age > 60 years residing at three old age homes in Amravati district, Maharashtra, India, over a period of five months. Data was collected by using predesigned and pretested questionnaire. Diagnosis was made on clinical examination, cross checking of medical records and medications held by the participants. Disability was assessed by using Rapid Disability Rating scale-2. Chi-square test of significance was used for statistical analysis. Analysis was done by using SPSS software Version 16. Results:-Most common form of morbidity was eye problems (61.8%) followed by musculoskeletal problems(53.9%), Anaemia(32.4%), HT(30.4%) etc. 64.7 % were having some form of disability. Morbidity and number of morbidities both were significantly associated with disability (p=0.000). Age was significantly associated with morbidity.(p= 0.000) Conclusions:- It is essential to have geriatric units with specialized professionals along with subsidized health care services in order to address geriatric morbid conditions in a proper manner. Regular health check-up camps should be organized at old age homes.