European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background:
Introduction: This study is about explaining how elderly people with chronic disease experience their lives, their emotional reactions, their social & physical functions and their adaptation to life.
Methodology: A cross sectional analytical study was conducted in wards and OPD of medicine department of associated hospitals of S.N. Medical College, Jodhpur, and Rajasthan. This study included a total of 200 elderly patients. Out of which 100 elderly patients were having chronic diseases and rest of 100 were not having chronic diseases (which had been used as control). Data were collected by means of questionnaire & clinical examination.
Results: Male elderly had better mean QOL score than Female elderly. Patients who were widowed had poorer mean QOL score (434±137.6) than in patients who were living with spouse (454.7±171.11). Patients living alone had mean QOL score (452.3±71.6) and patients living with family had score (448.09±164.7) that was slightly better. Patients living in rural area had better mean QOL score (477.1±157.4) than patients living in urban area (435.9±164.1). In study group mean quality of life (QOL) score was decreasing with increasing age up to 79 year but after age 80 year and above mean quality of life score was better. There was negative relationship between presence of chronic disease and QOL in elderly. All the chronic diseases were decreasing QOL score in elderly.
Conclusion: Geriatric patients require different approach for the treatment of chronic disease because in this population there are several factors which influence the overall management of chronic disease. So all the clinician need to consider the overall quality of life as the very important parameter to look for, in the best management of chronic disease in elderly.