title: Prevalence of diabetes and hypertension among geriatric population in a rural community of Tamilnadu.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Elderly population contributed to 7% of total population of India in 2001 and it will rise to 9% by 2016. In 2010,100 million people were aged above 60 years and by 2020 it will be 177 million. Ageing process is as such complex and multi-factorial. Chronic morbidities like diabetes and hypertension are becoming common health problems among the geriatric population.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension among geriatric population in a rural community of Tamilnadu.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 geriatric population at Attayampatti village, rural community in Salem district by using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. House to house visit was done on simple random basis. Their height and weight was measured and body mass index was calculated. The diabetic status was confirmed by using random blood sugar estimation and hypertension was assessed by using a standard sphygmomanometer apparatus.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The overall prevalence of diabetes among study population was 36% and the prevalence of hypertension was 59%. Among diabetes, the prevalence in males was 22% and in females it was 15%. Among hypertensives, the prevalence in males was 33.3% and in females it was 26.2%. Their mean BP was 140/100 and the mean random blood sugar was 180 mgs/dl. Factors like age, BMI and smoking showed statistical significant association towards diabetes and hypertension.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Early identification of chronic geriatric morbidities like diabetes and hypertension should be ensured through periodic screening and regular health checkups.
authors: Department of Community Medicine, Vinayaka Missions Kirupananda Variyar Medical College, Salem, Tamilnadu - 636 308, India.
authors: Shankar
authors: S
authors: Radhakrishnan
authors: Sangeetha
authors: S
authors: Balamurugan
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology*; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012737:Sex Factors