Socio-Demographic Status and Self Rated Health Condition of the Elderly in Eastern Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Background: The increasing number of the elderly persons and their health problems has greater implications on public health programs in developing countries. Estimates of health problems of elderly are required from time to time to predict trends in disease burden and to further plan health care for them. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalent diseases and places for seeking treatment among the elderly in eastern uttar Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A community based cross sectional study was carried out for the elderly people and the information was collected in pre tested instrument. Using multistage stratified random sampling procedure, a total 417 elderly respondents were participated in the study. Information was sought on the respondent's socio-demographic characteristics and self-reported disease suffering by the elderly. Results: Maximum numbers of diseased case were among females (38.06%) than males (26.45%).Breathing problem was found one of the major problem among each sex of the elderly. It was found that more than half of the elderly suffering from more than one disease. Conclusion: Breathing problem and joint problems were prevalent in both male and female elderly population. Social status and age of the elderly play important role in seeking treatment from the private/government health care facilities