BACKGROUND : Self-perceived uselessness means an individual ’s own negative perception about his or her usefulness or
importance to family, friends, and/or community. In developed Countries Self-perceived uselessness is associated with a
higher risk of death, higher rates of functional impairment and disability, fewer rates of recovery from illness, and poorer
cognition and mental health. It's unclear whether the findings hold true in developing countries like India, where research
on the link between self-perceived usefulness and health is scarce.
AIMS : The aim of the present research was to determine the prevalence of self-perceived uselessness in community setting
and its determinants among the study population.
SETTINGS AND DESIGN : This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among eighty elderlies each in urban and
rural field practice area (n=160) using simple random sampling.
METHODS AND MATERIAL : Data on self-perceived uselessness collected using pretested semi-structured interviewer
administered questionnaire and functional status by Modified-Barthel-ADL Score. Results were analysed in SPSS version
16 using Chi square test
RESULTS : 31.5% of the respondents [Urban-35%, Rural-27.5%] had perceived themselves as useless and nearly 40.62
% had some form of dependency in day-to-day activities. Marital Status[p=0.00], Comorbidity duration[p=0.00],
Residence[p=0.00] and Modified Barthel ADL Score[p=0.00] were all significantly associated.
CONCLUSIONS : More than 1/4th of the elderly population perceived themselves as useless when irrespective of their
residence. To improve the quality of life in the elderly, functional status can be screened, and regular physiotherapy can
be provided to individuals who require support with day-to-day activities. Similarly, Bereavement Support system needs
to be developed to address self-perceived uselessness among Elderly widows.