Study of clinical profile of geriatric patients with special reference to non- communicable diseases at rural tertiary health care centre

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasingly becoming a significant health concern among the elderly, especially in rural areas of developing countries. A study conducted at a rural tertiary healthcare center in India examined the clinical profile of 150 geriatric patients with a focus on NCDs. The most prevalent NCDs were hypertension (20.67%) and diabetes (13.33%), with notable occurrences of dyslipidemia (15.33%) and stroke (5.33%). Hypertension was particularly common among those aged 60-70, comprising over 61% of the population studied. The gender distribution was equal, with males and females each making up 50% of the study population. Despite lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol consumption being present in some patients (8% for smoking and 7.33% for alcohol), a significant majority (84.67%) reported no history of addiction. The study underscores the economic burden posed by NCDs, particularly in rural settings where healthcare resources are limited, and lifestyle changes such as poor diet and sedentary behavior further exacerbate the issue. Moreover, the study highlights the need for targeted interventions to mitigate these risks, calling attention to the necessity of preventive healthcare measures. These include lifestyle modifications and community-based interventions aimed at reducing the prevalence of NCDs. Interestingly, the research found an equal distribution of NCDs between genders, contrasting with prior studies that have suggested a higher prevalence of conditions like hypertension in post-menopausal women. This highlights the importance of further gender-specific research to fully understand the impact of NCDs on rural elderly populations. Ultimately, the study provides valuable insights into the health challenges faced by older adults in rural India, emphasizing the importance of effective healthcare strategies tailored to meet their unique needs.