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Morbidity patterns in aged population in southern Italy. A survey sampling
F Cacciatore1, C Gallo, N Ferrara
1Istituto di Medicina Interna, Cardiologia e Chirurgia Cardiovascolare, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
|July 26, 2008
Summary
This study on elderly individuals in Southern Italy found high rates of chronic illness (91.3%), cognitive impairment (27.9%), and disability (46.7% in daily activities). Comorbidity and disability increased with age, particularly in women.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The elderly population faces significant health challenges including chronic diseases, cognitive decline, and disability.
- Understanding the prevalence of these conditions is crucial for developing targeted healthcare interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of disability, cognitive impairment, depressive symptomatology, and chronic diseases in an elderly Mediterranean population.
- To analyze the relationship between these health issues and age.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1339 elderly subjects in Southern Italy.
- Health assessments included the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for cognition, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) for depression, and Activities of Daily Living (ADL/IADL) for disability.
- Prevalence of 10 specific chronic diseases was recorded.
Main Results:
- 27.9% exhibited cognitive impairment (MMSE <24), with scores declining with age.
- 9.8% had severe depression (GDS >20).
- Only 8.7% were free of chronic illness; 26.6% had four or more conditions. Disability affected 7% in ADL and 46.7% in IADL, increasing with age and more prevalent in females.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a high burden of chronic diseases, cognitive impairment, depression, and disability in the elderly Southern Italian population.
- Age is a significant factor associated with increased comorbidity and disability.
- Gender disparities in disability prevalence were observed.
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