Health Assessment of Geriatric Population in One of the District of a Hilly State of Northern India

Dr. Anil Kumar Verma, S. K. Raina, Dr. Raman Chauhan

Abstract: Background Demographic transition has resulted in population aging, which has led to advancement in multiple geriatric problems which has led to advancement in multiple geriatric problems including cognitive impairment (CI) and depression. Geriatric assessment requires evaluation of multiple issues, including physical, cognitive, affective, social, financial, environmental, and spiritual components that influence an older adults health. Objective To estimate the morbidity profile, social determinants functional disability among geriatric population in district Kangra. Methodology This was across - sectional study, conducted in two Health blocks of district Kangra, selected randomly one Urban and one Rural. Sample size was calculated by using the following formula 4PQe2, By applying the above formula the desired sample size comes out to be 681 (If the non response rate in the study population 10, the desired sample size will be 750) Selection of subject As the population of district resides more in rural than urban. To achieve the desired proportionate sample size of 750 individuals, 25 sample from Urban and 75sample from rural were selected for the study. Inclusion criteria 1) Age above 60 years. 2) Resident of the selected health block. 3) Person who gave consent to participate in the survey. Study duration - The study was carried out for a period of one year. Strategy Data was collected as per the following tools Assessment of Health Statusa) A self - administered structured Questionnaire for interview and examination was implemented. b) Barthel Index for functional disability. Data analysis Data was entered in Microsoft excel and Epi info was used for data analysis.

Keywords: Elderly, Morbidity profile, Aging, Rural area, Urban area, Prevalence, ADL