Prevalence and predictors of vision, hearing, and locomotor impairments among the elderly in Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background: Rural elderly populations in India face a substantial burden of sensory and locomotor impairment. This study estimated the prevalence and predictors of vision, hearing, and locomotor impairments among elderly individuals in Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 340 individuals aged 60 years and above selected through multistage random sampling. A pretested structured questionnaire and the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire were used. Multivariate logistic regression identified independent predictors. Results: Overall impairment prevalence was 89.4%. Visual impairment was most frequent (79.1%), followed by locomotor (44.7%) and hearing impairment (25.6%). Illiteracy (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.67; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–6.79) and pension receipt (AOR = 4.33; 95% CI: 1.21–15.53) were significantly associated with overall impairment. Conclusion: Impairments are highly prevalent among rural elderly. Targeted screening, affordable assistive devices, and health education are essential to promote functional independence.