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Introduction <p>Ageing is a global concern, and the growing geriatric population in developing countries such as Nepal faces significant health and social challenges. This study aimed to assess the health status and lifestyle behaviours of older adults.</p> Methods <p>A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in 2023 with 275 older adults in Mahalaxmi Municipality, Dhankuta, Nepal, using non-probability convenience sampling. Structured interview schedules, based on WHO recommendations and the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), were used to collect data. Descriptive and Inferential statistical analyses were performed, followed by a binary multiple logistic regression model to assess statistically significant factors associated with chronic health problems and functional status in ADLs among older adults.</p> Results <p>The mean age of participants was 73.12 ± 5.29 years; 50.9% were male, and 96.7% were unable to read and write. Nearly half of the older adults reported at least one chronic health problem (48.4%), and 45.0% mentioned moderate to severe functional impairment in ADL. The fitted model revealed that unmarried or widowed older adults had higher odds of chronic health problems (AOR:2.83, 95% CI:1.42–5.66, <i>p</i> = 0.003). Smoking was also associated with increased odds (AOR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.03–4.30, <i>p</i> = 0.042), whereas engagement in light-to-moderate physical activity was associated with significantly lower odds of chronic health problems (AOR = 0.15, 95%CI:0.08–0.29, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). Functional impairment in ADL was more likely among older adults aged ≥ 75 years (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI:1.07–4.08, <i>p</i> = 0.03) and was strongly associated with the presence of chronic health problems (AOR = 18.43, 95% CI: 9.64–35.24, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001).</p> Conclusion <p>The findings indicate a high burden of self-reported chronic health problems and functional dependency among older adults in a hilly municipality of Nepal. Marital status, smoking, and physical activity were significantly associated with chronic illness, while age and chronic illness were significantly associated with ADL dependency. These results highlight the need for community-based geriatric screening and targeted behavioural interventions to improve health status among older adults.</p>

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Health status and lifestyle behaviours of older adults in a Hilly Municipality of Dhankuta, Nepal

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月23日

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  • Bhagawaty Kalikotay,
  • D. Rajeswari,
  • Kamala Uprety,
  • Muna Shrestha

摘要

Introduction

Ageing is a global concern, and the growing geriatric population in developing countries such as Nepal faces significant health and social challenges. This study aimed to assess the health status and lifestyle behaviours of older adults.

Methods

A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in 2023 with 275 older adults in Mahalaxmi Municipality, Dhankuta, Nepal, using non-probability convenience sampling. Structured interview schedules, based on WHO recommendations and the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), were used to collect data. Descriptive and Inferential statistical analyses were performed, followed by a binary multiple logistic regression model to assess statistically significant factors associated with chronic health problems and functional status in ADLs among older adults.

Results

The mean age of participants was 73.12 ± 5.29 years; 50.9% were male, and 96.7% were unable to read and write. Nearly half of the older adults reported at least one chronic health problem (48.4%), and 45.0% mentioned moderate to severe functional impairment in ADL. The fitted model revealed that unmarried or widowed older adults had higher odds of chronic health problems (AOR:2.83, 95% CI:1.42–5.66, p = 0.003). Smoking was also associated with increased odds (AOR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.03–4.30, p = 0.042), whereas engagement in light-to-moderate physical activity was associated with significantly lower odds of chronic health problems (AOR = 0.15, 95%CI:0.08–0.29, p < 0.001). Functional impairment in ADL was more likely among older adults aged ≥ 75 years (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI:1.07–4.08, p = 0.03) and was strongly associated with the presence of chronic health problems (AOR = 18.43, 95% CI: 9.64–35.24, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The findings indicate a high burden of self-reported chronic health problems and functional dependency among older adults in a hilly municipality of Nepal. Marital status, smoking, and physical activity were significantly associated with chronic illness, while age and chronic illness were significantly associated with ADL dependency. These results highlight the need for community-based geriatric screening and targeted behavioural interventions to improve health status among older adults.