Publication:

Gender differentials in the health status of geriatric age group and their coping mechanisms

Background The present study was conducted to estimate the gender differentials in health problems and access to health care in the geriatric population and to study the social and economic mechanisms they have to cope.

Methods This study was done as a cross-sectional study with both analytical and descriptive components in Parivakkam and Kolappancheri villages of Thiruvallur district. Simple random sampling was used to identify 110 men and 110 women in the geriatric age group.  Data was collected through a tailor-made interview schedule after reviewing questionnaires used for the geriatric population. Data entry was done in SPSS version-15. Chi-square values were calculated wherever appropriate and p-values were based on the 2-tailed values.

Results A significant difference was found between educational qualifications and gender (p-value=0.000*), and men had higher per-capita income than women with a statistically significant association (p-value=0.04). Self-earning as the main source of income was seen in 46% of the men and was more than that for women (22%). There were statistically significant differences in the main source of income between males and females (p-value=0.003*). It was seen that more women were on irregular treatment (p-value=0.002). Utilization of health care services was better among women than men.

Conclusions High prevalence of morbidities and health complaints and the poor health seeking behaviour of the elderly emphasize on the need for health programs for the elderly.