Prevalence of chronic diseases in Ilamian elderly

Overweight and obesity are the most important preventable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) especially in elderly. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of obesity and hypertension (HTN) as well as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus (MD) amongst Ilamian elderly population.

Using cluster sampling, a random sample of 121 elderly people (62.4% male) with a mean age of 70.4±11.0 years through a cross-sectional study in Ilam city were recruited. Height, weight and blood pressure of all samples were measured by an experienced nurse.

Mean BMI was 25.3  4.2 Kg/m2. More than half of women (56.1%) and 46.2% of men were affected by either overweight or obesity. Prevalence of doctor-diagnosed CVD, hypertension and diabetes mellitus were 53%, 36.8% and 17.4%, respectively. There were no significant relationship between obesity and overweight with CVD, HTN and DM.

Prevalence of chronic diseases in studied elderly are associated with aging, literacy and prolonged watching TV times. In the present study, the prevalence of obesity and overweight but not cardiovascular diseases and hypertension were similar with other national studies. In order to decrease the prevalence of chronic diseases in elderly population, screening and health education programs are suggested.