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DOI: DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijpm.2321.5917.6118.7

Abstract

  Introduction: Older people face special physical and mental health challenges which need to be recognized. High prevalence of functional disability is observed in the older adult population Addressing these areas will improve their quality of life. Objectives: To assess the quality of life, determine the level of dependency in instrumental activities of daily living and study the morbidity profile among the elderly population.

Method:
A cross sectional study was conducted among 211 elderly population in a rural area of South India. Data was collected by interview method. WHO’s Quality of Life ­ BREF scale and Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale was used. Descriptive analysis was done and Two sample independent t test was used.

Results: The mean age of the study participants was 67.55 years ± 6.612 years. Highest score of 52.57 was observed in environmental domain and lowest score of 47.31 was observed in social domain of Quality of life. More than 1/3rd of the participants were unable to do the activities related to using telephone, preparing meals and handling money. Lower scores of IADL was seen among those aged 65 years and above and this difference was statistically significant.

Conclusion: Poor quality of life and higher dependency in carrying out
the activities among the elderly was observed reflecting the need to focus on provision of comprehensive
geriatric care.

Keywords: Elderly; Quality of Life; Instrumental Activities of Daily Living; Rural Area.

Corresponding Author : Abhay S. Nirgude, Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine, Yenepoya Medical College, Yenepoya University, Mangalore, Dakshina District, Karnataka 575018, India.