Common Health Problems and their contributing factors among elderly residing in Changu VDC

Abstract

Introduction: Aging is a normal biological phenomenon, and with the aging process different health issues started. The elderly population experience social isolation due to breakage of various bonds like work relationship, loss of relative and friends. The situation worsens when aged suffer with chronic diseases; lose their physical capabilities and financial insecurity. The objective of the study was to find out the common health problems and their contributing factors residing in Changu.

Methods: This is a descriptive study which was conducted among 50 resident of ward number 3 of Changu VDC. A semi-structured questionnaire related to health problems and factors affecting health problems was used to collect information from the respondents. The information was collected by interview technique. Data were analyzed and interpreted according to frequency and percent.

Results: The study showed that the majorities (66%) of the respondents were from the age group of 60-69 years and majorities (58%) were female. Among the total respondents, 56% had their spouse alive and most of the respondents had good relationship with their spouse (64%) and offsprings (69%). Few of the respondents (38%) had habit of smoking and only 12% had habit of drinking. The common health problems revealed through this study were gastritis (29%), followed by Asthma (27%), Hypertension (27%), Arthritis (13%), Diabetes Mellitus (10%), Heart disease (5%) and others. Psychological problems were found in few respondents. Depression was found only in 2% and boredom and loneliness in 10% and 5% respectively. The overall common health Problems among elderly were Asthma, Arthritis, Gastritis, Hypertension Diabetes Mellitus and Boredom as answered by the respondents.

Conclusion: The above study concludes that most of the respondents were suffered from varieties of problems associated to physical, social, psychological and economic aspect of health.