RIS ID

55031

Publication Details

Hedge, V., Kosgi, S., Rao, S., Pai, N. Mudgal, S. (2012). A study of psychiatric and physical morbidity among residents of old age home. International Journal of Health Sciences and Research, 2 (1), 57-74.

Abstract

Aims/objectives: To determine the frequency of psychiatric and physical morbidity and also to look into the association between psycho- social factors, morbidity and disability among residents of old age home. Materials and Methods: Study was conducted at an old age home where two hundred and forty five residents were screened using short psychiatric evaluation schedule (SPES).Hundred and ten residents scoring ≥ 4 on SPES suggestive of psychopathology were further evaluated. Information regarding socio-demography, past & present medical and psychiatric illness history was collected. Each individual’s detailed physical examination findings were recorded and Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), social support scale, disability scale, HMSE were administered. Results: The average prevalence of psychiatric disorders was found to be 7.4+3.9 with variable frequency; 58.2% (F=64) depressive disorders, 30 %( F=33) dysthymia, 8.2 %( F=9) Psychotic disorders, 2.7% (F=3) GAD, 0.9 %( F=1) dysthymia and GAD. Among physical disorders prevalence of cardiovascular problems were found in 57.6%, ophthalmological problems in 38.7% and respiratory problems in 28.8%.HMSE scores show 86.7% of residents with variable degrees of cognitive difficulties. Past physical illness was found in 24.5% of residents. 22.6% of International Journal of Health Sciences & Research (www.ijhsr.org) 58 Vol.2; Issue: 1; April 2012 residents had family history of psychiatric illness. Forty percent of residents had moderate to good social support. 37.3% of residents had moderate disability. Frequency of psychiatric disorders showed high degree of correlation (r2 = 0.414) with gender, past history of psychiatric illness and HMSE scores (P value ≤ 0.05). Similarly, duration of stay at the old age home (in years) and monthly income before entry into the residential care was highly correlated (r2=0.481; p value < 0.05) with disability. Conclusion: High prevalence rates of psychiatric and physical morbidity and their high degree of correlation with various physical and psychosocial factors warrant the urgent need to address psychological, psychosocial and physical needs of the elderly staying at old age homes. Key words: Prevalence, Psychiatric illness, Physical illness, Correlation

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