Health Concerns of Older Adults: Observations from a Survey and Public Education Programme in Bhubaneswar, India

Abstract

Background: While it is apparent that old age is associated with multiple health concerns, the extent of its multiplicity and burden is often not clear. It was intended to find out self-reported health concerns for one month and cardiovascular risk factors in middle and older adults. Methods: In the cross-sectional survey, attendees of a Healthy Ageing Conference were approached with a semi-structured questionnaire about their health concerns and cardiovascular risks. Risk of a cardiovascular event in 10 years based on QRISK3 was calculated. Results: A considerable proportion of older adults had a range of physical symptoms, depressive mood state and memory problems. Mean number of health problems reported were 4.8±3.3 (male 4.4±3.1 and female 5.0±4.3). Cardiovascular risk was high, mean QRISK3 score for males were 22.2% (±14.4), and for females 10.3% (±6.6) (p<0.05). On average, the heart age was increased by 7.9±6.2 years (8.6±6.6 years for males and 5.0±3.3 for females). The relative risk of participants was 2.1 for males and 1.5 for females for heart attack or stroke within the ten years, compared to healthy persons. The symptoms and risk factors were elicited easily, and the process probably facilitated improving the awareness about the health concerns holistically. The survey also identified issues related to the engagement of older adults in the existing health care systems. Conclusions: The results suggested that questionnaire-based health screening in a community can identify a range of health concerns and identify multi-morbidity in general and cardiovascular risks in particular. This process may help to focus on the appropriate public health awareness and intervention programmes required in the community.

Survey of factors contributing to the happiness of older persons: A cross-sectional study of associated worries, anxiety, and depression

“…Furthermore, depression symptoms were screened using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9); [11] which is frequently used to screen, diagnose, and assess the severity of depression. Using PHQ-9, depression can be categorized as none (0-4), mild (5-9), moderate (10)(11)(12)(13)(14), moderately severe (15)(16)(17)(18)(19), and severe (20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27) based on the PHQ-9 scores. Alongside this, anxiety was screened for using the General Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) scale.…”

“…[23] Specific concerns expressed by the elderly in this study resembled those reported in the region. [24][25][26][27] Although major concerns were related to health, mobility, and relationships, a concern involving getting help when needed and access to health care were highlighted. There are increased comorbidities in the older age groups, which is well-known, [27] and this poses a challenge not only for the health-care systems but also for the family caregivers.…”