CHRONIC DISEASES AMONG AGED REPORTED AT CAPE COAST METROPOLITAN HOSPITAL: 2004 AND 2009

Significant changes have occurred in the patterns of aging and epidemiology in developing countries in recent times. Chronic diseases have become major diseases burden in Ghana, as the nation still struggles to deal with communicable diseases. Using the element and progression of chronic disease model as the conceptual framework, the study analysed the prevalence of chronic diseases among aged (60+ years) who reported at Cape Coast Metropolitan (CCM) hospital in 2004 and 2009. The standard multiple regression was the main statistical tool employed in the study.
Hypertensive heart disease (HHD) emerged as the major chronic disease burden reported among the aged (64.6%) especially among the young-old aged (60-75 years). This was followed by diabetes (42%) and cancers (40%). Females dominated in the reported HHD cases while the males reported more diabetes. There was a weak relationship between sex and chronic diseases reported. The young-old reported more chronic diseases than the old-old in both 2004 and 2009. The aged reported more chronic disease cases in 2004 than in 2009.
To sum-up, in-service training for proper records keeping at CCM hospital should be encourage to ensure accuracy of data keeping to update authorities of Cape Coast Metropolitan Health Directorate in policy implementation.