| Abstract |
Background: With changing demographic profile India has older women than men as life expectancy for women is 67.57 as against 65.46 for men. Both social and health needs of the older women are unique and distinctive as they are vulnerable. Objectives: 1.To study the socio-demographic profile of the women beyond reproductive years. 2 To study the morbidity pattern among these women. Materials and Methods: - A cross-sectional study carried out in the urban slum of Raichur, north Karnataka, India. A total of 136 elderly women (50 years old and above) were interviewed using a pre-designed, pre-tested schedule. Findings were described in terms of proportions and percentages. Results: A major fraction of the population was in the age group of 56-60 years old; A majority (58.8%) of the respondents were Hindus. joint family system was seen to be the most common (75%) among the population Majority of them (82.3%) were illiterate and tobacco chewers 60 (83.3%). the most common health problems were Arthritis, Upper respiratory tract infections, Dental caries & dental stains, Reduced visual acuity (refractive error), Hypertension, diabetes, Cataract, bronchial asthma. Conclusions: There is a need to recognize the special health needs of the women beyond the reproductive age. Information on common health problems in this age and health facilities including where those services are available should be provided. Health workers at primary level should be equipped with knowledge and skills in order to address the problems of this special group.
KEYWORDS: Morbidity pattern, urban slum, addiction, elderly women. |
