Prevalence of chronic diseases among residents of care and treatment institutions in Wrocław

Abstract

Introduction and Objective. Chronic diseases are the most common cause of psycho-physical disability in seniors, and the reason for increased levels of dependency on others. Multimorbidity, which is closely related to multi-drug use, can be found in most elderly people. The concomitant coexistence of chronic diseases causes difficulties in diagnosis, ambiguity in clinical images, contributing to the development of severe complications and generating resistance to treatment. The aim of study was to analyse the frequency of chronic diseases among nursing home residents, and the impact on their daily functioning. Material and methods. The study was conducted on a group of 120 residents in care and treatment facilities in Wrocław. An author's questionnaire and the Barthel Scale were used. Respondents were predominantly aged 81-90 years (42%), mainly women (78%), with vocational education (57%), living on a pension (60.8%), and living in the city (62%). Results. According to their BMI, 58% of respondents were found to be overweight. The majority were partially dependent on the care of others (72%), required constant nursing care (73%), and their families were not care-efficient (67%). Respondents were characterised by multi-morbidity, with the most common conditions being atherosclerosis (58%), hypertension (43%), stroke (28%) and diabetes (18%), and complaints of feeling heavy in the legs (51%), rapid fatigue (48%), pain (44%) and dizziness (42%), which hindered daily functioning (73%). Conclusions. Inappropriate health behaviours influence the development of chronic diseases. The course of chronic diseases causes dependency on others in respondents. Disability results in the need for round-the-clock care for the senior citizen.