Unmet Need for Screening for Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, and Dyslipidemia in a Population That Is at Risk for NCDs; A Study Among Older Adults in Kottayam District, Kerala

Abstract

Background: More than half of the people in the geriatric age group have a history of at least one chronic illness, the majority of which are associated with the cardiovascular system. Hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus are recognized risk factors for cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. The early detection of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) has been found to reduce the disease burden and the associated complications. The study aims to assess the unmet need for screening of NCDs among older adults in the Kottayam district. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 older adults (60 years and above) in all 11 blocks of the Kottayam district using a structured interview schedule. Statistical analysis using proportions with appropriate stratification was undertaken using SPSS Version 26. Results: The unmet need for dyslipidemia screening (45.5%) was the highest among the screening. Employment status, socioeconomic status, and education were associated with the unmet need for dyslipidemia screening. Education, employment status, current means of sustenance, and socioeconomic status were associated with the unmet need for screening of diabetes mellitus. The unmet need for screening of only dyslipidemia was 22.4%. Among the participants with hypertension and diabetes mellitus, more than three-fourths (77.0%) had an unmet need for dyslipidemia screening. Conclusions: Unmet need for screening of dyslipidemia was the highest among all the 3 diseases. About one-eight of those aged 60 and above have not been screened appropriately for all the 3 diseases. Any programmatic effort needs to address this to reduce the burden of NCD morbidity among the elderly.