abstract
The present study was aimed to assess awareness and utilization of geriatric welfare services among senior citizens in selected health centers of Kottayam district. A quantitative non experimental research approach was used for the study. The study was theoretically supported by Nola J Pender’s revised health promotion model. Sample size was 400 senior citizens came to OPD were selected by multi stage random sampling. The tools used for data collection were socio personal data sheet, structured interview schedule to assess the awareness regarding geriatric welfare services, rating scale to assess the utilization of geriatric welfare services and semi structured interview to identify the reasons for non-utilization of geriatric welfare services among senior citizens. Study revealed that 10% of the senior citizens had good awareness, majority (72.20%) had average awareness and 17.80% had poor awareness regarding geriatric welfare services. Majority (90.20%) have not utilized the geriatric welfare services. Major reasons for non-utilization of geriatric welfare services were lack of knowledge, lack of timely updation and delay in processing from the concerned authority. There was significant association between awareness and utilization regarding geriatric welfare services for senior citizens with age, gender, education, occupation, type of family, economic status, annual income, colour of ration card and source of information.. An information booklet on geriatric welfare services was prepared and given to senior citizens who participated in the study.