Aging & Social Change: Tenth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

Over 7% of the total population is 60+ years out of about 163 million people in Bangladesh and 90,000 elderly are added to aging population every year. Vast majority of the elderly population is suffering from physical disability, psychological distress etc. though difficult to get information and morbidity status due lack of proper data. The objective of this study is to explore the morbidity status and health seeking behavior of the elderly population in a selected district in Bangladesh. In 2019, a four-month long cross-sectional study was conducted among elderly living in a rural district. 360 male and female were interviewed with a structured questionnaire. Data regarding ailment and health seeking behavior were recorded along-with socio-demographic information. Results: 67% of respondents were male, 94% have any form of disease or disabilities. Joint pain was the most common (65%), followed by respiratory distress (56%), insomnia (47%), indistinct vision (34%), cardiac problems (31%) and others (19%). Only 18% respondent visited qualified doctor in last twelve months, 11% never consulted any qualified doctor due to financial barrier, rather prefer village practitioners (62%), traditional healers (24%), homeopath (33%), medicine sellers (46%) & self-medicine (17%). 71% of the respondents are not involved with any social activities or leisure, except religious ritual. We conclude that the elderly population is subject to higher morbidity, mostly physical disability. Study results will help in future program designing and intervention for elderly ailment, medical, and social rehabilitation for improving the quality of life of elderly population.