Functional Dependency among Patients Attending Noncommunicable Disease Clinic at Urban Health Centre, Kalyanpuri

Background: Common noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension have negative impact on almost all the systems of the body if not controlled. These conditions often coexist and exacerbate each other, leading to functional dependence. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of functional dependency and determine its correlates among patients with NCD. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was performed in patients registered at the NCD clinic at Urban Health Centre, Kalyanpuri, East Delhi, India, involving 171 individuals diagnosed with NCDs. The study gathered and analyzed data regarding their sociodemographic characteristics and assessed functional disabilities using the Katz index of activities of daily living (ADL). Results: Among the total 171 participants in the study, 60.8% were female. The literacy rate among participants was 62.6%. Regarding marital status, 19.9% were widowed. In terms of comorbidities, 43.2% of elderly participants had both hypertension and diabetes mellitus, whereas the remaining 57% had either one of these conditions. Overall 11.1% of study participants showed varying degrees of dependence in performing ADL. The presence of multimorbidity (both diabetes and hypertension) had higher odds of functional disability (adjusted odds ratio: 4.9 [1.510–16.507]). Conclusion: Increased rates of disability were associated with the presence of multiple concurrent medical conditions. As the elderly population grows rapidly, it becomes essential to prioritize preventive measures and early detection and treatment of chronic illnesses, particularly those leading to physical impairment.