Factors affecting diabetes mellitus among rural geriatric population in Tigiria Block of Odisha: Findings from AHSETS study

Background: In India, the population of elderly is predicted that it will be increased from 8% in 2015 to 19% in 2050. Geriatric population contributes around 9% of the total Odisha population and 86.3% of them reside in rural areas. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and find out its risk factors among rural geriatric population in Tigiria block of Odisha, India. Methods: This was a community-based study, cross-sectional in design among 725 rural geriatric populations of Odisha. Socio-demographic information was collected following the standard census of India operational definitions. Self-reported diabetes mellitus status was collected and classified as "present" or "absent". Statistical analysis was performed using "R version 4.0.4". Results: Among the total elderly, 88 (12.13%) participants were diagnosed with diabetes. Common factors found to be significant with diabetes were illiterates (AOR=0.32, CI=0.125-0.817), not working elderly (AOR=2.51, CI=1.103-5.723), high socioeconomic status (AOR=3.79, CI=1.351-10.632) and overweight elderly (AOR=2.19, CI=1.286-3.753) respectively. Conclusion: The frequency of diabetes mellitus among rural geriatric population is less but the risk is high among those not working, literate, with higher SES and overweight elderly group. The researcher should emphasize real-time diagnosis of blood sugar levels using standardized measures among the rural elderly population. Keywords: diabetes mellitus; geriatric population; rural; Odisha