Prevalence and Patterns of Multimorbidity and their Influence on Disability among the Geriatric Population in a Rural Community: A Cross Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION Importance of Multimorbidity: Multimorbidity is associated with increased healthcare utilization, decreased quality of life, and higher mortality rates among older adults. By comprehensively understanding the prevalence and patterns of multimorbidity, healthcare providers can better tailor interventions to manage multiple chronic conditions simultaneously, thereby improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

Rural Health Disparities: Rural communities often lack access to specialized healthcare services, leading to delayed diagnosis and management of chronic conditions. Investigating multimorbidity within this context is crucial for developing context-specific interventions to address the unique healthcare needs of rural geriatric populations.

Contribution to Evidence-Based Practice: Findings from this study can inform the development of evidence-based guidelines and interventions tailored to rural geriatric populations, ultimately improving healthcare delivery and outcomes in these underserved communities.

In summary, this study will address a critical gap in the literature by investigating prevalence and pattern of multimorbidity and their influence on disability among the geriatric population in a rural community setting. This research aims to generate valuable insights that can inform targeted interventions to enhance the health and well-being of older adults living in rural areas.

AIM of Study

The aim of this study is to comprehensively investigate the prevalence and pattern of multimorbidity and their influence on disability among the geriatric population residing in a rural community.

Objectives

1. To estimate the prevalence of multimorbidity among the geriatric population in a rural community.
2. To identify patterns of multimorbidity, including disease combinations.
3. To assess the association of multimorbidity on disability among the geriatric population.
4. Study Design: cross sectional observational study design

study setting : Random sampling methods will be adopted for selection in study population, in which 21 villages will be randomly selected by using the random table method. Households will be selected within each village by systemic random sampling. Sampling duration: 6 months after getting ethical approval.

Study Universe: Population age more than 60 years.

Study Population: Rural population age more than 60 years residing in Jaipur district.

Inclusion criteria:

1.      Both gender with age more than 60  years .

**2.**Residing within the designated rural community more than 10 years.

Exclusion criteria:

1.      Do not give consent to participate in study.

Sample Size = 420  , calculated on hypothesis testing methods based on the following assumption: 95% confidence interval, assuming 42% of prevalence for the morbidity for maximum sample size

**Study Tool :**The Multimorbidity Assessment Questionnaire for Primary Care represents a valuable tool for assessing and managing multimorbidity.