Russian epidemiological study EVKALIPT: protocol and basic characteristics of participants

Abstract

On behalf of EVKALIPT study. Objective: to evaluate prevalence of age-related and chronic non-infectious diseases, senile asthenia and other geriatric syndromes in subjects aged ≥65 years old and to analyze their influence on general health and functional status. Methods: 4308 subjects (30% males) aged from 65 to 107 years (mean age 78±8 years), who live in 11 Russian regions, were examined. They were divided in 3 groups by age: 65–74, 75–84 and ≥85 years. All subjects passed comprehensive geriatric assessment in 2 stages: 1) questioning based on a specially designed questionnaire; 2) physical examination. Results: age increase is associated with decrease of anthropometric parameters (height, weight, body mass index), decrease of diastolic blood pressure, increase of pulse blood pressure and deterioration of social-economic status of elderlies (increase of those who out lived their partners, living alone and in institution/ nursing home, single (no partners) and disabled subjects; decrease in proportion of married and still working ones, subjects with university degree and higher income). Conclusion: Russian EVKALIPT study protocol and basic characteristics of participants are summarized in the article.