title: Sociodemographic and health profile of inmates of old age homes in and around Belgaum city, Karnataka.
abstract: A new trend of admitting more and more senior citizens hailing from the Indian middle class background to old age homes is being observed in recent times. The objectives of this study were to study sociodemographic dimensions and common health problems of inmates of old age homes and to know various reasons for their admissions and their leisure time activities in old age homes. The present cross-sectional study was conducted during March and April 2010 in 4 different old age homes in and around Belgaum city, North Karnataka, by interviewing the inmates of old age homes using predesigned, pretested, structured questionnaire followed by thorough clinical examination and haemoglobin estimation by Sahli's method. The collected data was compiled and analysed using SPSS software version 14. Out of 73 elderly, 54 were females (74.0%). Majority were in the age group of 61-70 years (50.7%) and 56 were belonging to nuclear family (76.7%). Thirty-nine inmates were widow/widower (53.4%) and 42 were having no children (57.5%). Forty-seven inmates were admitted as there was nobody to take care of them (64.4%). Common health problems observed were locomotive/joint and muscle disorders (35.6%), hypertension (34.2%), diabetes mellitus (26.0%), respiratory disorders (23.3%), hearing loss (21.9%) etc. Forty-nine were having normal body mass index (67.1%) while 19.2% were underweight. Majority were having haemoglobin levels between 10-12 g/dl (58.9%). Old age homes definitely will enable the elderly to remain sociopsychologically healthy and lead active lives if effective medical and emotional support is given.
authors: R G
authors: RG
authors: Viveki
authors: A B
authors: AB
authors: Halappanavar
authors: A V
authors: AV
authors: Joshi
authors: Kirankumar
authors: K
authors: Pujar
authors: Sandhya
authors: S
authors: Patil
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006707:Homes for the Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008875:Middle Aged