Morbidity pattern and treatment seeking behaviour of geriatric population in Jamnagar city

Background: Ageing of a population is a matter of great concern for the health sector. The elderly are, on the whole less healthy than the non-elderly. The aged population has special health problems that are basically different from those of adult or young. Aims: The present study aimed to assess the pattern of morbidity, co-morbidity, and treatment-seeking behaviour of the elderly in urban population of Jamnagar, delineate the common health conditions affecting the elderly. Material and methods: This community based cross sectional study was carried out in urban area of Jamnagar city. In this study five wards were randomly selected, out of which total 200 samples were selected by simple random method during November 2012 to December 2012. Results: Majority of the elderly were in the age group of 71-75 years of age (28%) followed by 60-65 years of age (21%) and males constituted 57 percent of the respondents. Most common geriatric problems reported by the study population were visual problems (65%), hypertension (40%), dental problems (34%), diabetes (26%), joint complain (26%) and hearing problems (22%). Treatment seeking behaviour was more prevalent for hypertension (90%) and diabetes (92%) as compared to others. Conclusion: Awareness among the elderly population should be created for regular medical check-ups to ensure prevention and early detection of the chronic diseases. There is a necessity in the modification of strategy towards the wellbeing of elderly is a priority at this juncture.