Socio-demographic profile and pattern of illness among patients attending outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Background: India has made significant progress in improving the health conditions of its population. There has been a general decrease in mortality leading to significant gains in life expectancy, while what has happened to morbidity is yet to be assessed. Very little information is available about the disease profile of different population groups in India. The objective of the study was to study socio-demographic profile and pattern of illness among patients attending the outpatient department of a Tertiary care hospital. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted among patients attending the outpatient department of a private tertiary care hospital. Sample selection was done using systematic sampling technique. Data was collected in a pretested and semi structured questionnaire and analysed using appropriate statistical methods. Results: Majority of the reported patients were females, majority were in the economically productive age group, majority were educated up to high school and above and majority of patients belonged to lower socioeconomic class. Most common illness among patients in our study was pain abdomen followed by knee pain and cough/cold. The most commonly affected organ systems were musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal and skin, reproductive as well as respiratory system. Conclusions: Reported pattern of diseases may be helpful for health planners to frame policies capable of facing future challenges. The present study may also guide health managers in strengthening and remodelling health care facilities for attaining better satisfaction levels for both patients as well as health care providers.