Prevalence and Factors Associated with Self-Reported Ill-Health among the Elderly in Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Information on the determinants of ill-health among elderly, if available, would certainly provide a useful guide to policy makers in their plan for appropriate interventions for this subgroup of the population. This study therefore assessed 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 measure of ill-health among the elderly. Bivariate and multivariate statistical methods were used for data analysis, 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 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 independent protective association against illness.  

Conclusions: Prevalence of ill-health among 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 elderly on harmful effect of smoking and excessive worrying on their health are hereby recommended.