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International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN: 2249-8109

Volume 11, Issue 2, June 2014 pp 192-197

Research Article

A community based epidemiological study on quality of life among rural elderly population of Punjab

Deepshikha Kamra

Academic Editor: Dr. Aher K. R.

Background: Ageing is a recognized international reality all over the world. The number of elderly is increasing day by day due to demographic transition. This will result in emergence of new problems related to medical, social and economic rehabilitation of elderly population if a timely initiative in this direction is not taken. Aims & Objective: To determine the quality of life and its relation with various socio-demographic characteristics among elderly population of rural area. Material and Methods: A community based cross-sectional design was adopted for studying quality of life, using Post Graduate Institute Quality of life scale questionnaire. A two stage sampling technique was used for sample collection. A total of 220 individual ≥ 60 years of age were taken up for the study purpose. Results: Out of total 220 subjects, maximum were in the age group of 60-69 years (Males=53.6% & Females = 46.4%). Majority of the subjects were currently married (60%) and nearly 64% were illiterates. 71.3% of the subjects were engaged in household activities. An overwhelming majority (68.2%) of elderly enjoyed a good quality of life, while those having a fair/poor quality of life were ≤ 15%. The association of quality of life is statistically significant in subjects who had graduated and currently married, belonged to non-scheduled cast and living in extended families (p<0.001). Conclusion: There is a need to highlight the medical and psychosocial problems that are being faced by the elderly people in India and strategies for bringing about an improvement in their quality of life.