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

Volume 9, Issue 1, November 2013 pp 86-99

Research Article

Cross Sectional Study on Health Problems among Elderly inmates of Old age Homes in Urban areas of Chennai, India

Jaiganesh D.^*, Prasad K. N.^**, Janaki M.^***

^*,***Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Institute of Medical sciences and Research, Melmaruvathur, Tamil Nadu 603319 INDIA.

Academic Editor : Dr. Aher K.R.

Introduction: Elderly age also known as senior citizens are increasing in number in Developing countries. The care of the elderly aged is slowly shifting from the family to community level old age homes for those who are financially poor, lacking family care or the destitute. The health problems of the elderly in most of the developing countries who are institutionalized for shelter, health care, rehabilitation and recreation are not known adequately. This study is planned to estimate the problems among old age homes in urban area. Objective: To find prevalence of common Health problems among inmates of Old age homes in North zone of Chennai. Materials and Methods: A Cross sectional study was done among 450 elders in 19 old age homes during April to December 2012 for eight months. Subjects were selected by Simple random technique and the data were collected using standardized pre tested questionnaire after getting consent from the elders. The diagnosis made by clinical examination and some were confirmed by medical records possessed by the subjects. Results: Elders of 60-69 years constituted the maximum percentage of 47%. Number of females is more than the number of males and most of the elders were from upper lower socio economic status. The prevalence of individual health problems was Visual problems 67% followed by Hypertension 54%, Depression 45%, Arthritis 43% , Diabetes mellitus 32% and Hearing problems 24%. The overall prevalence of Visual impairment and Blind was 46 % and 21 % respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of health problems among the inmates of old age homes are high and periodic health check up to identify the morbid conditions at the early stage and adequate treatment will lead them to have better quality of life.