Prevalence and Factors Associated with Self-Reported Ill-Health among the Elderly in Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria: A Cross Sectional Study https://doi.org/10.60787/NMJ-63-2-82

Abstract

Background: Information on the determinants of ill-health among the elderly, if available, would certainly provide a useful guide to policymakers in their plan for appropriate interventions for this subgroup of the population. This study, therefore, assessed the ill-health status and its associated factors among the elderly in Osun State, Nigeria.

Methodology: The study design was a descriptive cross-section involving 491 elderly drawn from a simple random sample of five local government areas LGAs in Osun State, Nigeria, in 2017. Self-reported illness (es) two weeks before the survey was taken as a measure of ill-health among the elderly. Bivariate and multivariate statistical methods were used for data analysis, and p< 0.05 was reckoned statistically significant.

Results: Overall, 228 (46.4%) reported one health issue or the other two weeks before the survey. Regular source of income [OR=0.63, 95% CI=0.43, 0.95], ever smoked [OR=2.35, 95% CI=1.31, 4.21] and having any source of worry [OR=2.52, 95% CI=1.68, 3.79] were significantly associated with self-reported ill-health among elderly. Whereas having a regular source of income, engaging in physical exercise and being satisfied with residential status were all found to be protective against illnesses by crude statistical analysis, only having a source of regular income had an independent protective association against illness.  

Conclusions: The prevalence of ill-health among the elderly was considerably high. Factors significantly associated with ill-health include; not having a regular source of income, ever smoked and having any source of worry. Financial empowerment schemes and health education for the elderly on the harmful effects of smoking and excessive worrying about their health are hereby recommended.