A Study on Self-Perceived Uselessness and its Determinants among Residents of Old Age Homes in North Bengaluru

Background: The study on self-perceived uselessness may help health-care workers to provide opportunities for intervention for increased quality of health and greater survival rate in elderly. Objectives: To find the prevalence of self-perceived uselessness and its determinants among the elderly residents of old age homes of North Bengaluru. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken on 129 elderly aged 60 years and above in the old age homes of North Bengaluru. Self-perceived uselessness, sociodemographic variables, morbidity status, functional status, financial status, and personal habits were assessed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Proportions, percentages, and Chi-square test were used for analysis. Results: Nearly half (45%) of the elderly had agreed that they had perceived themselves as useless as they age. Majority of those who perceived uselessness had one or >1 chronic morbidities and were functionally dependent (81.2%). Significant association was seen between self-perceived uselessness and functional dependency, gender, education, and having some form of activities during their leisure time. Conclusions: It can be concluded that self-perceived uselessness is quite prevalent in nearly one-half of the elderly in the old age homes in North Bengaluru having significant association with variables such as gender, education, leisure activities, and functional status.