Effect of income shortfall on health status of retired hypertensive subjects in South Western, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Irregular and reduction in income as a result of retirement places a great burden on retirees especially in the area of health. Retirees because of age are more likely to be hypertensive with greater demand for increased health spending. Therefore, this study provides new information on the effect of income reduction on the health status of retired hypertensive subjects in South-Western Nigeria.

Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to 247 respondents from three specialist clinics in Oyo and Osun States, Nigeria between January and October 2019. Information obtained includes demographic characteristics, health financing methods, and coping strategies. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression methods.

Findings: The study revealed that pensions paid were irregular to most of the retirees. Support from children was largely a source of support to these retirees as posited by 45.3% of study participants and the children have been financing their medical expenses. Using logistic regression, age (B=- 4.87, p<0.05) had a significant negative relationship with the health status of retirees. Also, education (B=1.260), spouse occupation (B=1.182), spouse average income (B=2.314), and monthly pension (B=1.831) had a positive relationship with the health status of the retirees.

Conclusion: The income shortfall of retired hypertensive subjects has a significant negative impact on their health status. Enhancing health financing and adopting highly subsidized health care plans for the elderly will go a long way to reduce unwarranted deaths in our elderly population.