Abstract

Determinant Factors of Diseases Suffering Duration among Elderly in Bangladesh

Md. Nuruzzaman Khan and Md. Nazrul Islam Mondal

Objective: This study aimed to identify the determinant factors of disease suffering duration among elderly population in the rural areas of Bangladesh.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three villages of Pabna District, Bangladesh. Data were collected from 250 (males, 168; females, 82) elderly aged 60 years and above using a structured questionnaire. To analyze the data, both bivariate and multivariate analyses were used as the statistical tools.

Findings: The results revealed that most of the elderly (70.00%) were suffered from various types of long duration (>1 year) diseases. Respondents’ age, partnership status, family type, family size, education, working status, family income, and drug addiction were found significantly associated with diseases suffering duration. Finally, the binary logistic regression model identified almost all the factors are as important predictors diseases suffering duration.

Conclusion: Health problems were found more prevalent among males than that of females. To reduce the disease suffering duration of the elderly, emphasis should be given to improve their financial condition and traditional family bond, and to create workplaces where they may involve.