Assessing Morbidity Profile of Non-communicable Diseases Among Elderly Population in a District of North India – A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Elderly population, in India as well as world-wide, is increasing rapidly over the years. Elderly persons, being one of the most vulnerable groups of the society have more chances of chronic disease, infections, as well as disabilities. There is huge mismatch in the urban-rural population and health care system in India. Thus, this study was conducted with the main objective to study morbidity profile of elderly population (rural and urban) in district Kangra, Himachal Pradesh (H.P.). Materials and Methods: This was a community based cross-sectional study, carried out for a period of one year, on 750 individuals and using population proportion size technique (PPS). Data was collected using self-designed semi-structured questionnaire, general physical examination and blood testing and was analysed using SPSS version 24. Results: Low vision (52.2%) was the most common morbidity, followed by hypertension (39.3%), osteoarthritis (34.2%), obesity (31.9%) and bronchial asthma (24.6%). 10.3% had pallor, 0.1% had icterus, 2.1% had cyanosis, 1.3% had clubbing, 5.6% had pedal edema and raised JVP in 1.6% of the total study participants. Conclusion: The study has provided valuable data to plan services and programmes for betterment of geriatric people whose percentage in the population is increasing.