Comprehensive health assessment of older women residing in a nursing home in a Metropolis City, India: a cross-sectional descriptive study

Absract Background: Older women living away from family form a unique group. Multiple studies evaluate different aspects of psychological or musculoskeletal health. Given the mortality from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, we included the respiratory component in the comprehensive health assessment. The main goal was to conduct a thorough health evaluation of older women residing in an elderly home. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from December 2021 to January 2022. A multidisciplinary team, including a qualified respiratory technician, psychologist, cardiopulmonary physiotherapist, and nutritionist, supervised by a professor from the Department of Respiratory Medicine, visited the nursing home once or twice weekly. The study used various assessments, including a portable spirometer; the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 tool; the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool; the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test; and the 6-Minute Walk Test. Results: The study assessed the health of 61 women. The mean age was 73.5 years (standard deviation = 6.82). The most common comorbidity was hypertension (44.26%). About one-third had a moderate impact on quality of life. Most women (63.3%) had a normal body mass index. Depression, anxiety, and stress affected approximately one-third to two-thirds of the women. The overall risk of undernutrition was 60.86% and was higher among those aged 75 years and older ( χ 2 = 11; P < 0.001). Underweight women had significantly lower baseline oxygen saturation levels ( P = 0.020) and a greater increase in the pulse rate after the 6-Minute Walk Test ( P = 0.003) compared with other women. Seven women had obstructive airway disease. Conclusion: Women above 75 years and underweight women are more vulnerable.