Gender differentials in health status and socioeconomic wellbeing of older persons in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Although the relationship between socioeconomic wellbeing and health status is well-established in Western industrialized countries, but, few studies have examined this association in developing countries particularly among older persons in Lagos State, Nigeria. National and International Organizations have expressed concerns on the older persons worldwide, and suggested measures for improving their health status and overall wellbeing within the framework of sustainable development. However, older persons are not homogenous category. It has been observed that the gender of the individual affects their access and opportunities to the available health services in the society on the one hand and overall socioeconomic wellbeing on the other. This study focuses on the differences in the situations and capabilities of the older persons in the society rather than discussing them as homogeneous group. Inequalities experienced in earlier life, for example in access to education, employment, and health care, as well as those based on gender which, have a critical bearing on status and well being in old age were critically examined. Triangulation method was used for the collection of research information. A multi-stage sampling procedure was adopted to select the respondents included in the study. The data collected were analysed using qualitative, quantitative, and percentage analyses. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to code and organise the data collected. Cross-tabulations of social and economic characteristics were done to allow for a general description of the respondents and their household characteristics. Hypotheses testing were done using logistic regression technique to determine the net effect of explanatory factors on the probability that the gender of the older persons would influence their overall socio-economic well being or otherwise. The study found that the life course experiences of individuals is an important determinant of overall wellbeing. The study also found that older men are more likely to enjoy good health status and socio-economic well being than older female. The study therefore conclude that inequality in personal income and socio-economic well being is structured by gender, health status and life course experiences.

Key Words: Gender, Health Status, Socioeconomic well being,Older Persons.