A Study on Multi-morbidity among Geriatric Group in a District of Northern India: A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: Demographic transition with ageing of the population is a global phenomenon which demands international, national, regional and local action. The percentage of the elderly population in India increased from 5.4 percent in 1950 to be about 8.7 percent in 2015 and expected to be 12.4 percent in 2030 and 19.6 percent in 2050. Several forces are driving India’s changing age structure, including an upward trend in life expectancy and falling fertility. The aging populations is a sign of successful development in medical sciences and technology, living standards and education, but also raise unique social, economic and clinical challenges, including a growing demand for increasingly complex healthcare service. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted period of one year (August 2014 to July 2015) in Allahabad districts on elderly population only. Data was collected by house to house visits. Informed consent was obtained. Morbidity was assessed by taking history, doing a clinical examination, reviewing past medical records (musculoskeletal disorders, hearing problems, eye problems, hypertension and diabetes) and medicines taken by the study subject. Chi-square test was used to find out associated with morbidity in elderly population. Results: We were found mean age of study participant was 68.86 years. Majority of subjects (31.8%) were suffering from two chronic conditions, followed by 15.5% were having three chronic conditions, 4.8% having four chronic diseases and 1% were found to be suffering from five chronic diseases conditions. Conclusion: The preventive programme and strategies should be focused on more frequent and periodic screening of elderly with special focus to elderly female, Health education and health service provision near the dwelling place through mobile health team and by peripheral workers.