Assessment of morbidity pattern, quality of life and awareness of government facilities among elderly population in South India.
BACKGROUND
This study was done to assess the determinants of morbidity pattern, quality of life (QoL) and awareness of elderly about various government schemes and social security legislations.


METHODS
Data was collected by house to house survey among participants aged 60 years and above using a structured interview schedule. The QoL was assessed using Kannada version of WHOQOL-BREF instrument following language validation.


RESULTS
Mean age of 206 participants was 69.6±6.7 years. Half of them were males and majority were graduates 54 (26.2%). Morbidity was present among 194 (94.2%) participants (95% CI 89.5-98.9%), most common being hypertension 96 (46.6%). Morbid conditions were seen more among less educated (P = 0.007). Only 68 (33%) were under medical insurance coverage, 17 (8.3%) were under old age government pension and 74 (35.9%) were under retirement pension scheme. Social relationships, psychological health and environmental domain scores were associated with socio-economic status. Social relationship domain score was significantly better among well educated participants and those without morbidities. Level of ambulation was significantly associated with QoL scores in all domains (P < 0.001). Majority of the participants 132 (64.1%) had moderate level of awareness about government facilities for senior citizens. Awareness level was significantly better among males (P < 0.001), well educated (P < 0.001), better socio-economic status respondents (P < 0.001) and those currently working (P = 0.026).


CONCLUSIONS
Health status of elderly needs improvement which would also improve their QoL. Awareness about various government schemes needs to be enhanced to improve its utilization. The results of this study are expected to help policy makers in planning comprehensive services for elderly residing in this area.
Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
Nitin
N
Joseph
Department of Community Medicine, A.J Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
Maria
M
Nelliyanil
Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
Sriraksha R
SR
Nayak
Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
Vyom
V
Agarwal
Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
Arjun
A
Kumar
Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
Harsh
H
Yadav
Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
Gourav
G
Ramuka
Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
Kshirabdhi Tanaya
KT
Mohapatra
Awareness; community based study; geriatric population; government facilities; morbidity; quality of life