Public Awareness and Perception on Care for the Elderly among Funtua Residents in Katsina State, North-west Nigeria

Abstract

The population of the elderly is rapidly increasing globally and there is need to meet up with the special needs and requirements that are unique to them. This study aimed at evaluating public awareness and perception towards care for the elderly. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was used to administred questionaire to the participants. Cluster method was used to select 3 out of the 5 wards and 150 participants were recruited for the study using purposive and convenience sampling techniques. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20. Descriptive analysis was computed on dependent and independent variables. The result shows that majority of the participants (90%) have relatively good knowledge of the basic care of the elderly, with high positive attitudinal predisposition towards and preference to care for their aged people in their (participants’) homes rather than to be nursed in institutions such as nursing homes (92%). Despite the relatively good knowledge and positive attitudes expressed by the participants toward the care for older people, significant efforts are required to health educate the public about the activities of daily living and needs and other specific ways of caring for elderly people, especially those with chronic illness.