Elderly Health Profile in a Rural Village of Assiut (RURAL-AGE)

Assiut University

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Malnutrition; Chronic Diseases in Older Adults; Functional Decline Geriatric Health; Frailty

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07263087

PHCM-ElderlyHealth-2025-ASSIUT

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aims to assess the health, nutrition, functional status, and quality of life of older adults living in Al-Boura village in Assiut, Egypt. It is an observational, community-based study that includes adults aged 60 years and above. Participants will complete interviews covering medical history, lifestyle behaviors, functional ability, mental health, nutrition, and quality of life. Physical measurements such as weight, height, blood pressure, and simple clinical assessments will also be performed. The goal of the study is to describe the current health needs of the elderly population and identify risk factors for chronic diseases, malnutrition, and functional decline. The results will help guide local health services and future elderly-care programs in Upper Egypt. No treatments or interventions will be given as part of this study.

Full description

This community-based observational study aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the health status, nutritional profile, functional ability, mental health, and quality of life of older adults residing in Al-Boura village in Assiut, Upper Egypt. The study is designed to describe the current health needs of individuals aged 60 years and above through structured interviews, standardized assessment tools, and objective anthropometric and clinical measurements.

Participants will be evaluated using validated instruments covering chronic disease history, medication use, health behaviors, activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), cognitive status, depression, frailty, nutritional risk, and quality of life. Physical examinations will include measurements such as weight, height, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, mid-upper arm circumference, and waist circumference. The study does not involve any interventions, randomization, or treatment allocation.

The primary objective is to identify the prevalence of chronic conditions, malnutrition, functional decline, frailty, and psychosocial challenges among the elderly population in rural settings. Secondary objectives include identifying associated factors, mapping unmet health needs, and generating evidence to support planning and implementation of elderly-focused health programs in Upper Egypt. Findings from this study are expected to guide the development of community health strategies and inform future public health interventions aimed at improving elderly care and reducing disease burden in resource-limited rural areas.

Enrollment: 330 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 60+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Age ≥ 60 years
• Resident in the selected rural village in Assiut
• Able to communicate and respond to interview questions
• Provides informed consent to participate

Exclusion criteria

• Bedridden or severely ill preventing participation
• Severe cognitive impairment preventing interview
• Refusal to participate

Trial design

330 participants in 1 patient group

Older Adults (≥60 Years)

Description:

Community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years and above living in Al-Boura village, Assiut, Egypt. Participants will complete structured interviews and undergo basic anthropometric and clinical assessments. No interventions are provided as this is an observational, cross-sectional study.