Abstract

Kulkarni Priya Y, Bhawalkar Jitendra S, Banerjee Amitav B, Raimule MR,Rotithor P and Bakshi T

Disability rate in elderly is much higher. The rising needs of long term care and severity of disabilities may be reduced if disabilities in elderly are identified as early as possible. This study aimed to identify elderly with disabilities and to study their socio-demographic factors, unmet needs and social networking. A community based cross sectional study was carried out among the elderly in rural field practice area of one of the medical colleges in Pune during 1st June- 30th July 2012. Using a convenient sampling, elderly were interviewed to get socio-demographic variables. BRIGHT questionnaire was used to detect disability and unmet needs. Social networking was assessed using social network index questionnaire developed by Cohen et al. 23.1% (80/346) had disabilities according to BRIGHT questionnaire. 58.75% (47/80) of disabled were diagnosed of chronic disease. 41.25% (33/80) disabled had not consulted the physician for their disability, considered as part and parcel of aging. 34% (16/47) of disabled diagnosed with chronic disease were taking treatment appropriately. Factors associated with disabilities were rural residence, unemployment, presence of diagnosed chronic disease. 51.4% (178/346) had poor social networking, and it was associated with presence of disability and diagnosed chronic conditions. There is a need to identify hidden burden of disabilities and unmet needs among elderly to decrease magnitude of disabilities. Periodic use of tools like BRIGHT questionnaire by health workers, relatives or by elderly themselves may serve the purpose. Social networking of elderly needs to be re-enforced