Volume :
4
Issue :
2
Abstract :
Background and aims The increase in geriatric population has led to an increase in elderly surviving with morbidities. The present study was conducted with objectives (1) To find out the magnitude and pattern of diseases among cases reporting in geriatric clinic at a tertiary care institution, and (2) To find out seasonal differences in reporting of geriatric cases, if any. Methods & results Secondary data from patient registers who attended Geriatric clinic at tertiary care institution in Chandigarh between March 2014 to February 2015 was analysed. Total of 16 046 elderly reported to geriatric clinic with almost equal proportions according to gender (male, 51.9% and female, 48.1%), and majority from age group 60-69 years (65.1%). The proportions of patients reported during different seasons were 34.2%, 33.9% and 31.8% during rainy, summer, and winter, respectively. Seasonal variations according to gender were not found to be statistically significant (p=0.07) but this found to be statistically significant according to age (p=0.00). Overall, hypertension was the leading morbidity reported during study period i.e. 41.4%. Conclusion The burden of non-communicable diseases was found to be more among elderly. Early diagnosis and regular treatment can cut down the prevalence of these diseases. There require optimum mix of preventive, promotive and curative services for care of geriatric population.