Health Survey of Elderly Residents in Rural Areas of Ashtian City: Markazi Province, 2015

With the increasing life expectancy and aging density of population in some communities, the world's older population is rapidly increasing. With age, there is a gradual reduction in physical activities thereby leading to an increased prevalence of chronic diseases and reduced individual and social performance in elderly individuals. The importance of this present study can be noted from the factors including changing epidemiological pattern of disease in the elderly, susceptibility to the chronic diseases and increasing number of seniors facing relative health issues but deprived from healthcare needs. In order to optimize the management and careful planning of the healthcare services for the rural elderly, there is a need for extensive research in this field. The aim of this study was to evaluate the health status of elderly patients living in the rural cities of Ashtian city, Markazi Province.
Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional and descriptive-analytical study included 200 elderly people from Ashtian villages selected using the cluster sampling technique. After gaining consent from the participants, the required information was collected through questionnaire, physical examination, and laboratory tests. The results of the tests were processed using SPSS software. Chi-square test was also used, and P This study consisted of 126 females and 74 males of which 156(78%) were illiterates, 52(26%) were widows, 2(1%) were single, 32(16%) were living alone, and 10(5%) were smokers. The prevalence of disease noted in this study is given below: osteoarthritis, 163(81.5%); static and dynamic imbalance, 138(69%); hypertension, 120(60%); hyperlipidemia, 111(55.5%); urinary disorders, 99(49.5%); depression, 95(47.5%); cognitive disorders, 92(46%); hearing problems, 88(44%); nutritional problems, 83(41.5%); sleep disorders, 76(38%); angina, 67(33.5%); and diabetes, 18(9%). Moreover, there was a significant relationship with widowhood (P The findings of this study suggested that physical diseases and functional limitations among elderly people in rural areas are a very crucial matter. Based on the results of this research and high frequency of chronic diseases in the rural elderly, especially osteoarthritis, imbalance, depression, hypertension, nutritional problems, vision and hearing problems- and angina diseases, the screening and monitoring activities for these diseases should be duly executed. The study also revealed that certain sections of the society including women, elderly, less educated, and unemployed, either living in celibacy or in the village are faced with several health problems. Thus, special attention should be paid to the vulnerable groups in terms of the health policies dedicated for their welfare.