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Study of Health Problems and Addiction Pattern among Elderly Population in Rural Areas of Pune, India

Harshal Tukaram Pandve*, Vishwajeet Manohar Chavan and Purushottam A Giri

Background: There is considerable rise in elderly population as per 2011 census of India and majority of them are residing in rural areas.

Objective: To study health problems amongst the elderly population of Rural areas of Pune, Maharashtra. To study pattern of addictions amongst the elderly population of rural areas of Pune, Maharashtra.

Materials and methods: A community based cross-sectional study was carried out in the rural areas of Pune, Maharashtra. Individuals of 60 years and above were included in the study. Interviews with help of pre-structured and pre-tested profroma and physical examination were done by house to house survey.

Results: In this study, 100 study subjects above 60 years were participated. There were 40 males and 60 females. The study showed that 80% of the study subjects were suffering from visual impairment followed by musculoskeletal problem were reported by 74% and hypertension by 35% and diabetes by 15%. Half i.e. 50% subjects were malnourished and 38% of the study subjects were addicted to masheri a kind of chewing tobacco. 25% of the males were addicted to alcohol and 34% addicted to smoking bidi. Majority 63% were aware about travelling concessions, while 27% aware about the pension scheme for elderly.

Conclusion: Visual impairment was commonest health problem followed by musculoskeletal problems. Addictions such as masheri, alcohol and smoking of bidi were observed commonly especially among males. Study subjects were aware about some welfare schemes for elderly.