Understanding the Health Status of Individuals Residing in Old Age Homes in Coastal Karnataka - An Epidemiological Analysis

With advancing age comes a decline in physical and cognitive health, often resulting in increased dependency among older individuals. Rapid urbanization has led to a growing reliance on old-age homes for support and care. However, the health profiles of the individuals in these facilities raise significant concerns that require careful attention. This study aimed to examine the socio-demographic and health characteristics of residents in old age homes and identify the factors that influence disease morbidity among them. A retrospective analysis was conducted using data collected from health screening activities held across various old-age homes in the district. Information regarding demographic features, lifestyle habits, disease prevalence, and blood parameters was collected and analyzed using SPSS 15.0. Results are presented as frequencies and proportions. Analysis of data from 268 residents revealed that 52.9% were female. One in four older adults had more than one chronic morbidity, while 7.5% had three or more comorbidities. Hypertension was prevalent in 40.3% of residents, and diabetes mellitus affected 25.4%. Males exhibited a higher prevalence of smoking and alcohol use compared to females (p<0.001). The findings underscore the importance of regular screening activities to diagnose common morbidities among older adults in the community, followed by appropriate treatment and ongoing follow-up. These measures are crucial for enhancing the overall health and well-being of this vulnerable population.