Prevalence of diabetes and hypertension among geriatric population in a rural community of Tamilnadu.

INTRODUCTION: Elderly population contributed to 7% of total population of India in 2001 and it will rise to 9% by 2016. In 2010,100 million people were aged above 60 years and by 2020 it will be 177 million. Ageing process is as such complex and multi-factorial. Chronic morbidities like diabetes and hypertension are becoming common health problems among the geriatric population.

AIM: To assess the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension among geriatric population in a rural community of Tamilnadu.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 geriatric population at Attayampatti village, rural community in Salem district by using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. House to house visit was done on simple random basis. Their height and weight was measured and body mass index was calculated. The diabetic status was confirmed by using random blood sugar estimation and hypertension was assessed by using a standard sphygmomanometer apparatus.

RESULTS: The overall prevalence of diabetes among study population was 36% and the prevalence of hypertension was 59%. Among diabetes, the prevalence in males was 22% and in females it was 15%. Among hypertensives, the prevalence in males was 33.3% and in females it was 26.2%. Their mean BP was 140/100 and the mean random blood sugar was 180 mgs/dl. Factors like age, BMI and smoking showed statistical significant association towards diabetes and hypertension.

CONCLUSION: Early identification of chronic geriatric morbidities like diabetes and hypertension should be ensured through periodic screening and regular health checkups.