Title: Sociodemographic Profile and Health Status Perception of Elderly People in Hajin Block of Kashmir Valley: A Cross-Sectional Study

Authors: Shah Suhail M, Ganai A Majid, M Rafiq, Anjum Fazili, Rohul Jabeen Shah, Dar Sameena, Aaliya Wani

 DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v4i11.103

Abstract

Ageing is a universal process affecting every individual, family, community and society. It is a normal, progressive and irreversible process which can be broadly characterized by time-altered changes in an individual's biological, psychological and health related capabilities and its implications for the consequent changes in the individual's role in the economy and the society. All these features of aging imply that the problems of the elderly need a special focus and approach. The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of various sociodemographic variables & perception of health status of this vulnerable age group of elderly people. A cross sectional study design was adopted and the study was conducted in the rural field practice area of the Deptt. of Community Medicine, SKIMS for a period of 1 year. The study was carried out in a total of 1020 individuals aged 60 years & above. Data was collected using a pre tested and pre structured proforma which included assessment of sociodemographic profile including SES and health status perception of the study population. In the present study, out of total 1020 study subjects, majority i.e 55.3% were Young aged (60-69 y);46.4% were males;85.5% were illiterate;81.4% of elderly were living in joint family;74% of study population were married; 83% were not working at all;65.9% belonged to SES class IV;89.8% of study subjects perceived that they were currently ill and among those 53.2% were hypertensives. Majority of elderly in present study were young aged (60-69y) , females, illiterate, married, living in joint family, not engaged in any work,  belonging to SES class IV, perceiving themselves to be currently ill ( hypertensives ).

Key words: Elderly, Sociodemographic profile, socioeconomic status (SES), Health status, Geriatrics.

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Corresponding Author

Rohul Jabeen Shah

Additional Professor Department of Community Medicine SKIMS Soura Srinagar, J&K

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Contact no: 9419055003