Postgraduate Institute of Medicine: Colombo University

Permanent URI for this collection

https://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/127187

Browse

Now showing 1 - 12 of 12

Common health problems of elderly patients attending base hospital Nawalapitiya
(Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, Colombo: PGIM., 2001) Jayasinghe, WADS
The study was conducted among elderly patients in the 60-89 year age group. The time preferred for treatment at O.P.D. by most elderly patients were between 8.00-9.49 a.m. Common presenting complaints were body ache and pain, fever, difficulty in breathing and abdominal pain. They were diagnosed as abnormal clinical findings, arthropathies, viral fever and respiratory tract disease. The significant chronic disease were hypertension, chronic respiratory tract disease and diabetes millitus. The result suggests that it is important to screen elders for chronic diseases.The promotion of elderly care at home is necessary for elders who ' stay alone'. The resources available with elders, for example, skills, knowledge, and properties can be used to uplift healthy life of them. Non-smoker and non- alcoholic are healthy than smoker and alcoholics.
Factors associated with institutionalisation of the elderly and the usefulness of elder day care centres in a district in Sri Lanka.
(Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, Colombo: PGIM., 2001) BALASURIYA, A
Reasons for the usefulness of elder day care centers for the elderly and their care givers were mainly psychosocial and less financial. The elderly and their care givers who utilised the services of elder day care centers cited psychosocial and not financial reasons for the perceived usefulness of these. Companionship and involvement in activities were the main reasons given by the elderly. Better mental well being of the elderly and the freedom enjoyed by the care givers during daytime were the main reasons given by the care givers.The perceived needs of the elderly as given by the elderly and their care givers were mainly economic and health. Better accessibility to obtain medicine, getting them at a low cost and receiving subsidised living aids were the priority needs of the elderly. Needs of the elderly as perceived by the care givers were, monetary incentives to provide better care for the elderly, in addition to the above needs.
Factors influencing the utilization of health care services by the elderly population in the divisional secretariat area of Beruwala
(Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, Colombo: PGIM ., 1995) BALASURIYA, A
A community based study to describe factors influencing the utilization of health care services by elderly in Divisional Secretariat area of Beruwala in Sri Lanka was done. Four hundred and twenty six, 60 years and over in age were interviewed. Respondents between the age of 60-69 years of age and 80 and above years were 61 percent and 7 percent respectively. Males who were 40.1 percent had a significantly higher educational level than females. Eighty percent had financial difficulties and 56.8 percent were looked after by their children. Nearly three fourth (74.4 percent) were independent in all six Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and 62.4 percent indepedent in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). Severe mental illness (4.9 percent), urinary incontinence (1.6 percent) and faecal incontinence (0.5 percent) were found. Visual and hearing impaired were 46.5 percent and 5.1 percent respectively. Of 53.8 percent were on regular medication, 44.1 percent utilized free government services, the main reason being the cost (52.9 percent). More than one third (38.2 ) preferred private clinics for acute illnesses because 40.7 percent underwent no undue delay. Reducing delay will enhance utilization of services. Indigenous systems accounted for 12.7 percent. Vistis by health personnel were welcomed by 43.4 percent and other needs included financial assistance and relief of symptoms. Characteristics of the elders who used Government Allopathic treatment were comparatively young age group, secondary level education, lower economic status and a higher physical and mental health status. Private Allopathic facilities allowed those with a poor physical and mental health status to utilize them.
Health status of the aged in a selected rural and semi-urban area in the Kadugannawa M.O.H. Division
(Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, Colombo: PGIM ., 1992) TENNEKOON, HSB
A questionnaire to assess the health status was administered to a sample of rural and semi-urban elders at Kadugannawa MOH area. The demographic pattern of the study groups was similar to the national situation except for the ethnic and religious distribution. Although several of the elders were impaired in the performance of day to day activities, only a few could not attend to personal care activities . A high percentage were having poor hearing, poor vision and chronic diseases. Only a small percentage of them were found to be having seveere degree of dementia and depression. But a significant proportion of them had the milder forms of those conditions. Their social status was very poor and a very high percentage of them had low level of contact with social activities except for the religious activities. Chronic diseases, poor ,mental status and lower social contacts were more marked in semi-urban areas than that of rural areas. A majority of them preferred Government Institutions for treatment. Although a considerable number utilized the private sector, very few get treatment from the indigenous sector. Also, the health and social workers contact with the elders was found to be very poor.
Oral health related quality of life among elderly in Moratuwa MOH area (DS Division)
(Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, Colombo: PGIM., 2001) Perera, IR
The objective of this study was to assess oral health related quality of life (OHRQOL) among elderly in Moratuwa MOH area (DS Division) in terms of prevalence of impacts related to oral conditions/ the frequency of oral impacts. The study has shown that oral conditions resulted in various physical, psychological and social impacts among elderly with varying frequencies. Those with 12 -31 missing teeth, 7 or more teeth with 3 rd degree mobility,perceived their oral health status to be poor or perceived a need for dental treatment were frequently affected by oral impacts. These findings emphasize the need to incorporate OHRQOL into routine oral health need assessments of "senior citizens", as clinical conditions alone does not fully indicate how senior citizens perceive the impact of their oral conditions.
Physical Health status of the elderly in the district of Matale and risk factors for undernutrition among the rural elderly
(Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, Colombo: PGIM., 2002) Jayakody, KWGG
This study on physical health status of the elderly was carried out to assess: physical activity level; activities of daily living status; self reported disease prevalence; nutritional status and usefulness of body mass index (BMI), body mass index using arm span (BMA) and mid upper arm circumference of the elderly in assessing nutritional status in the urban, rural and estate sectors. Risk factors for under nutrition among rural elderly in the district of Matale, was also studied. This study found low levels of physical activity, poor nutritional status and high prevalence of common disease among the elderly. There are no special services focusing on elderly in the present health system. Therefore it is necessary to develop preventive, promotive and interventional programmes to maintain the health life style focusing on the elderly regarding physical activity, common disease and nutrition. Any programme aimed at the elderly should pay special attention to females, as they were more vulnerable, and constituted a lager proportion. Awareness on prevention, promotion and intervention programs to improve physical health and nutrition of the elderly, among the health care personal as well as general population needs to be addressed. In time to come health sector alone will not be able to shoulder the emerging problems of ageing and therefore multi-sectoral approach is advised.
Prevalence of tooth loss and its impact on the elderly
(Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, Colombo: PGIM., 2003) PALLEGEDARA, PMMC
The purpose of this study was to assess the digree of tooth loss and its impact among elderly living in Negimbo MOH Area.it was concluded that tooth loss was highly prevelence among the study subjects and it varied according to some of the socio demographic characteristics.but edentulism was not as high as what has been shown in the ealier studies.There was a highly significant association between tooth loss and individuals' quality of life irrespetive of their socio demography status in the commnity.
Reasons for Encounter and existing Medical and Psychosocial Problems of Geriatric Patients in a General Practice.
(Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, Colombo: PGIM., 2004) Ramanayake, RPJC
A statistically significant relationship was found between depression and impairment of ADL and between depression and having a problem. Multiple medical and psychosocial were identified in geriatric patients. It is unlikely that all these problems could be detected during routine consultations. Therefore geriatic screeningprogrammes have to be introduced through the primary health care system. Postgraduate and undergraduate curricula should include geriatric medicine to make future doctors competent to address the multiple and complex problems of this vulnerable age group.
Study of the health and socio-economic conditions of the elderly
(Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, Colombo: PGIM ., 1985) SIVARAJAH, N
This study was undertaken to obtain demographic and socioeconomic data and particulars relating to morbidity, personal care capacity, utilization of health services, habits, recreation and attitudes of old people. Old age is hard to define, since aging is a process, which starts from birth. In this study personable age of 55 years was taken as the dividing line between middle age and old age, and those who were 55 years and above were included in the study. The study area had a population of 28086, with 11.8 percent, being 55 years and above. The study was carried out in two phases. In phase I, general data was, collected from 3344 persons 55 years and above, living in the area. In phase II a 2 percent sample of the elders interviewed were medically examined. The coverage in phase I was almost 100 percent and in phase II it was 87.8 percent. During phase 1,69.6 percent of the 3344 elders were personally interviewed, and in the case of 19 percent of the elders the questionnaire was answered by the spouse or child living with the elder. Unlike in the more developed countries where two thirds of the elderly population are females, in this study, there were an almost equal number of males and females except in the 55-59 years old age group where females constituted 58.2 percent. Only 7.7 percent of the elders were living alone. Most of the elders were living with their spouses, and when the partner is no longer living, they lived with their children - preferably the female children. Out of the 3344 elders, 24.4 percent were employed; two thirds of them were in the 55-64 years old age group. The percentage of elders who have had no schooling was 13.3 percent compared to 34.2 percent for Sri Lanka. Arterial hypertension was found in 11.7 percent, heart disease in 5.5 percent, diabetes mellitus in 7.8 percent and bronchial asthma in 8.2 percent of the elders. Residual paralysis of one or more limbs or face was seen in 2.2 percent. Only 9.9 percent of the elders had obtained impatient medical care at least once during the previous one-year. This figure is comparatively low when compared to developed countries. The medical examination conducted during phase II of the study indicated that 39.7 percent of the 58 elders examined had a diastolic blood pressure of 90-99 mm of mercury and 6.9 percent had a diastolic blood pressure over 110 mm of mercury. Diabetes (17.2 percent) and arthritis (10.3 percent) were other common diseases. Only 27.6 percent of the elders were using glasses. Out of those who were not wearing glasses 66.6 perce were unable to read the newspaper. Distant vision too was impaired. One elder was completely blind and 33.3 percent were able to identify hand movements only. Ten percent of the elders had a haemoglobin less than 10 g per 100 ml. A majority (80 percent) of them were females. Oral hygiene among the elders was very poor. Paradontal disease was found in 82.8 percent of the elders. Carious and loose teeth were found in 32 percent of the elders but, none of them had gone to a dentist for dental care. It is suggested that: a. a) Geriatric health care be incorporated into Primary Care (PHC) system. The PHC workers should carry out, education, screening and referrals, monitoring of chronically ill patients, training of patients or relations to carry out simple tests like testing urine for sugar in diabetes, administration of insulin, supervision of drug administration etc. b. Geriatric clinics be established at secondary and tertiary levels of the primary health care structure. c. Geriatric wards should be established at tertiary level. d. Long term care services be established involving, screening rehabilitation, assisting the elders to cope with impairments and permanent residental or out patient services as well as assistance in their homes. e. The criterion for retirement should not only be the age. Part time emloyement should be provided to those who are capable of working.
Study of the physical and mental health status of the elderly in the MOH area of Ragama
(Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, Colombo: PGIM., 1995) LOKUBALASOORIYA, SA
The changes in the age structure of population in the past few decades had resulted in an increase in the elderly population not only in the developed countries but also in the developing countries where there are no policies or programs to face the problems of the elderly. The assessent of the physical health, mental health, personal care capacity and utilisation of health care facilities by the elderly forms a basis for the formulation of policies and programs meant for the elderly. A community based descriptive study was undertaken in the MOH area of Ragama to obtain demographic and socioeconomic data, morbidity, personal care capacity and factors which make the elders happy or unhappy and the utilisation of the health services by using several approaches; self assessment of health status, self reported health problems, functional health measures, anthropometric measurements and physical examination of the elders. The findings show the common health problems to be,visual, hearing mastication and nutrirional problems. Conditions like arthritis, hypertension and diabetes which require long term care, were fairly common and the majority frequently sought treatment from the government hospitals. Majority of the elders were living happily because of their moderate income status, absebce of family problems and the progress in their children. Therefore family plays the major roll in the caring for the elders and making their life happy. Therefore it is suggested to have programs aimed at: 1. Supporting the tradition family care system for the elders. 2. Preventive aspects of chronic disease and limitation of disabilities to increase the disability free life expectancy.
A Study on risk factors of hip fractures among elderly in Colombo District and the subjective burden on the caregiver.
(Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, Colombo: PGIM., 2003) Pannilahetti, N
Logistic regression analysis revealed past history of falls ,past history of fracture,matarnal history of fracture.previous consuption of alcohol currnt consuption of alcohol,to be associated with up fracture among elderly.Patient related factors identified as predispoint to falls at the event of fall were.poor vision.Most of the falls had occured inddors and during day time .the common places of the fall were patient's room and the toilet.Result revealed that a significant number of patient could be regain the funtional ability that they had before the fracture.This deteriosation was more marked for patients who were fwmales more than 70 years old age had lower income.
Study on the needs and availability of health care services for elders in the divisional director of health services area of Akkaraipattu
(Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, Colombo: PGIM., 2000) Riyaz, AMM
The elderly population was 5.65 per cent, the sex ratio (men : female) was 81.8 per cent in the study area 15 per cent were over 76 years.Among the elders, 69.1 per cent (N=220) of females, and 20 per cent (N=180) of males were widowed and 11.3 per cent (N=400) of elders were living alone.48.6 per cent of elders never attended school, and 82.8 per cent of elders had either no income at all or income of less than 1,000 rupees per month.The impairment of activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) were 8.5 per cent and 29.5 per cent respectively; while both were significantly high in elders over 76 years.The elders were mainly suffering from the chronic diseases like arthritis, high blood pressure and chronic cough, and higher number of chronic respiratory ailments in elderly females requires further investigation. The problem of vision,impairment of hearing,dementia and depression among elders were found to be more common when compared to other studies done in sri lanka.Therefore, it is recommended that necessary steps to be taken to provide these specialised medical care facilities in this district, and provide spectacles and hearing aids on free of charge to poor elders.

Browse

Browsing Postgraduate Institute of Medicine: Colombo University by Subject "Aged"

Results Per Page

Sort Options