Morbidity Profile and its Association with Sociodemographic Factors Among the Elderly in a Rural Area of Andhra Pradesh: A Community-based Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Population ageing is accelerating in India and is accompanied by a rising burden of chronic morbidities, functional decline, and increasedhealthcare needs, particularly in rural areas. The objective of the current study was to assess the morbidity profile among the geriatric populationin a rural field practice area and to study the association between selected sociodemographic factors and morbidity patterns among the elderly. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2019 to December 2019 in the rural field practice area of a Medical College, Vijayawada. A total of 370 individuals aged ≥60 years were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected usinga pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire and clinical examination. Functional status was assessed using the Katz index of activities of dailyliving. The data were analysed using descriptive statistical methods. Associations between variables were evaluated using the chi-square test, andfactors independently associated with the outcome were identified through multivariate logistic regression analysis. Musculoskeletal disorders(85.1%), cardiovascular diseases (77.0%), and eye problems (76.2%) were the most common morbidities. Hypertension was present in 88.6%and diabetes mellitus in 46.2% of participants. Anaemia was observed in 73.8% of the elderly. Socioeconomic status, literacy status, andcaregiver availability showed statistically significant associations with selected morbidities (p <0.05). The study demonstrates a high burden ofmultimorbidity among the rural elderly. Strengthening comprehensive geriatric care at the primary healthcare level is essential to address thegrowing health needs of the ageing population.