Physical check-up and blood data analysis in the Thai elderly of Chaingmai Province, Thailand

Type Journal Article - Geriatrics & Gerontology International
Title Physical check-up and blood data analysis in the Thai elderly of Chaingmai Province, Thailand
Author(s)
Volume 4
Issue s1
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2004
Page numbers S220-S222
Abstract
Introduction: Chiangmai is one of the provinces in Northern Thailand. The Aging population has increased rapidly since family planning commenced in 1972. For the surveillance of aging, we started a health investigation of the elderly over 60 years of age in the suburban area of Chiangmai since 1997 with the Nippon Medical School Team.

Materials and Method: Medical examination was carried out for the elderly (male = 34, female = 73) at Department of Family Medicine, Chiangmai University, Chiangmai Thailand in August 2002. Chula Mental Test (CMT) was used for cognitive function and Geriatric Depression Scale was used for evaluation of depressive condition.

Results: The major health problems of this group of elderly in Chiangmai Province were visual acuity abnormality (98.1%), anemia (66.4%), hypertension (37.4%), dental caries (29%), bone and joint disease (23.4%), cardiovascular disease (11.2%), gingivitis (11.2%), diabetes mellitus (9.3%), digestive system disease (8.4%), and presbycrusis (8.4%). The prevalence of cognitive impairment and depression were 0.9 and 2.8%, respectively. The prevalence of high cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL cholesterol were 43.9, 29.0, and 15.9%, respectively. The prevalence of high BUN, creatinine, and uric acid were 17.8, 11.2, and 29.9%, respectively. The prevalence of high GOT, GPT, gamma GT, ZTT, and TTT were 4.7, 1.9, 53.3, 35.5, and 21.5%, respectively. The prevalence of low hemoglobin was 66.4%.

Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of anemia and hyperlipidemia in this group of elderly in Chiangmai Province. The analysis of background factors and further investigation should be carried out continuously.

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