Profile of medical and psychological disorders in the elderly persons attending a tertiary care hospital in Delhi

Background: The elderly population is increasing rapidly globally, and presently, India has the second largest number of elderly persons. The population of the elderly has shown an increase from just 5.6 per cent in 1961 to 7.7 per cent in 2001. This has resulted in an increase in the burden of disease in the elderly due to various physical and mental ailments. Aims of the study: To study the profile of medical and psychological disorders in the elderly persons attending the medical outpatient department in a tertiary care hospital. Methodology: The study was conducted in the medical out-patient department of Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital, Delhi, and a total of 200 consecutive patients, aged 60 years and above were enrolled. The data from these patients was collected by detailed history and physical examination as per the pre-designed proforma. The relevant investigations were done, wherever needed. The prevalence of depressive features was assessed by Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI). Results: The mean age of our patients was 64.5 years and 61% were males. The prevalence of various medical disorders in this population was: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - 41.5%, hypertension - 39.5%, coronary artery disease - 25.5%, diabetes mellitus - 17%, stroke - 6.5%, chronic kidney disease - 4.5%, pulmonary tuberculosis - 4%, chest infection (non-tubercular) - 4%, congestive heart failure - 3%, bronchial asthma - 3%, various types of cancers - 3% and cirrhosis of liver - 2.5%. Assessment of mental function revealed a mean BDI score of 15.4, and 31.2% patients had BDI score < 10, suggestive of depressive disorder. Conclusion: The study shows high prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and depressive disorders in the elderly persons attending a large tertiary care hospital in East Delhi.