Older Adults In Nigeria Research Articles

NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND FOOD INTAKE OF RETIREES IN EPE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, LAGOS STATE

This study focused on nutritional knowledge and food intake of retirees in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State. Four research questions guided the study. Cross-sectional descriptive survey research design was adopted using 100 retirees aged 60 to 70 years. Structured questionnaire was used to elicit data from the retirees. Data was analyzed using percentages, mean, standard deviation and Person (r). Results from the study indicated that the retirees possessed very high knowledge of nutrition for healthy ageing (71.8%). only 15.08% of the subjects consume foods from the seven food groups daily and met the criteria for adequate diet. Dietary intake of 35.0% of the subjects had rating of fair quality since their diets were mostly foods from five out of the seven food groups on daily basis. Financial status, physical diseases, high food prices and lack of appetite influenced the retiree’s food intake. Majority (72.3%) of the retirees ate three times a day with about 27.7% eating less than three meals daily. Also, there is a weak positive relationship (r=.410) between retirees’ nutritional knowledge and food intake. The study established a less adequate intake of protein and fruits among the retirees despite their high knowledge of nutrition. There is need for the establishment of a functional policy on the care of older adults in Nigeria in order to enhance their nutritional and health status as well as their general well-being.

Vision impairment and self-reported anxiety and depression in older adults in Nigeria: evidence from a cross-sectional survey in Kogi State.

BackgroundMore than 2 billion people are thought to be living with some form of vision impairment worldwide. Yet relatively little is known about the wider impacts of vision loss on individual health and well-being, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study estimated the associations between all-cause vision impairment and self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression among older adults in Kogi State, Nigeria.MethodsIndividual eyes were examined according to the standard Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness methodology, and anxiety and depression were assessed using the Washington Group Short Set on Functioning–Enhanced. The associations were estimated using multivariable logistic regression models, adding two- and three-way interaction terms to test whether these differed for gender subgroups and with age.ResultsOverall, symptoms of either anxiety or depression, or both, were worse among people with severe visual impairment or blindness compared with those with no impairment (OR=2.72, 95% CI 1.86 to 3.99). Higher levels of anxiety and/or depression were observed among men with severe visual impairment and blindness compared with women, and this gender gap appeared to widen as people got older.ConclusionsThese findings suggest a substantial mental health burden among people with vision impairment in LMICs, particularly older men, underscoring the importance of targeted policies and programmes addressing the preventable causes of vision impairment and blindness.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) into Igbo language: a validation study

BackgroundLate-life experiences such as protracted and indisposing medical disorders can negatively impact older adults’ psychological and mental health, making them vulnerable to depression. Majority of the assessment tools for depression were developed for use in western countries. There is therefore the need for availability of culture- and environment-specific tools for assessment of depression in low-and-middle-income countries. This study was designed to cross-culturally adapt and validate the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15) into Igbo language and culture.MethodsThe English version of the GDS-15 was translated into Igbo language; synthesized, back-translated, and underwent expert panel review, pretesting and cognitive debriefing interview, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons’ guidelines. The Igbo version of the GDS-15 was tested for concurrent and structural validities, and internal consistency among consecutively recruited 140 consenting older adults (62.9% females) in Enugu North Senatorial District at 0.05 level of significance.ResultsThe English version of the GDS-15 was successfully cross-culturally adapted to Igbo with all the 15 items still retained on the Igbo version of the GDS-15. The Igbo version of the GDS-15 exhibited the same structure as the English version, and displayed a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.53 with no significant ceiling (0%) and floor (0%) effects. The correlation between the participants’ total scores on the Igbo and the English versions of the GDS-15 (ρ = 0.86) was adequate. There was no significant difference between corresponding scores in the English and Igbo versions of the GDS-15 (p = 0.89).ConclusionsThe Igbo version of the GDS-15 is a valid and culturally specific instrument, and can be used for assessing depression among Igbo older adults in Nigeria.

IGBO Version of the Older People's Quality Of Life Questionnaire (OPQOL-35) Is Valid and Reliable: Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation.

To translate, cross-culturally adapt, and psychometrically evaluate the Older People’s Quality of Life Questionnaire (OPQOL-35) among the Igbo older adult population in Enugu State. The original English OPQOL-35 (E-OPQOL-35) was translated into Igbo language, synthesized, back translated, and subsequently subjected to expert panel review, pre-testing and cognitive debriefing interview. The final Igbo version (I-OPQOL-35) was tested for internal consistency, concurrent, and structural validities in a cross-sectional study of 115 consenting apparently healthy older adults that were conveniently recruited from Enugu State, at 0.05 level of significance. The Spearman correlation coefficients between the participants’ domain and total scores on the I-OPQOL-35 and E-OPQOL-35 (rho = .92-1.00) were excellent. The Mann–Whitney U test revealed no significant difference between corresponding scores in the E-OPQOL-35 and I-OPQOL-35 (P = .65-.94). The internal consistency coefficient of the I-OPQOL-35 was 0.78. The ceiling and floor effects were 0% respectively. The I-OPQOL-35 is therefore a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of quality of life among Igbo older adults in Nigeria.

Gender differences in family support to older adults and implications for social work in south-east Nigeria

The increase in the number of older adults in Nigeria is a significant demographic trend, requiring adequate and sustainable attention. Usually, these older adults depend on family members for support due to increasing frailty and/or disengagement from the civil service or other income-earning pursuits. Studies that depict differences in gender vis a vis access to social support from family networks are limited. This study will attempt to contribute to filling this gap. Four focus group discussions and 16 in-depth interviews were conducted on a sample of (N = 56) older adults aged 70 years and above and their 23 to 46 year old family carers. The generated data were analysed in themes. Findings revealed no differences in access to health support by gender; however, females received more financial, emotional as well as material support, and were more involved in social activities than their male counterparts. This study will facilitate a better understanding of gender differences in social support for older adults in Nigeria. This could, in turn, inform inclusive social policies guided by social workers which have greater focus on the needs of older adults.

Family caregivers’ support for older adults in Nigeria

A scoping review of literature was explored for a better understanding of the lived experiences of family caregivers for elderly in Nigeria. Unlike professional caregivers such as medical doctors, nurses and trained care workers, informal caregivers, often family members, or friends, also provide care to individuals with a variety of conditions including cancer, dementia, and advanced age. Family Caregivers of elderly with chronic illness in Nigeria, are exposed to burden associated with caregiving activities. This could involve the delivery of complex health care services alongside Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Despite the satisfaction and fulfillment that comes with caring for a loved one, family caregivers often experience negative psychological, behavioural, and physiological effects on their daily lives and health. creating awareness and understanding the burden and coping mechanism of this population is crucial to making decisions at all levels, which best support family caregivers.

Community versus family support in caregiving of older adults: implications for social work practitioners in South-East Nigeria

ABSTRACT Nigeria is home to the highest number of older adults in Africa. The country will continue to experience an upward trend in the size of this sub-population, yet there are limited government measures to address their well-being. Studies have shown that families and communities are predominant sources of support in caregiving for older adults in Nigeria. However, there seems to be a few studies that ascertain the extent to which these support systems provide support to older adults, especially in the South-East Nigeria. This study, therefore, will attempt to fill this significant gap because access to justice, a high standard of living, quality of life, and well-being of all citizens including older adults constitute a crucial point in the African Union and the 2030 global agenda. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were used to collect data from older adults and their caregivers (N = 40). The data were analysed thematically. Most of the support in caregiving for older adults is filial with minimal support from community members. Thus, we advocate for welfare policies that will augment the filial efforts in supporting older adults. Social workers also should facilitate the implementation of the policies and equally help to strengthen supportive relationships among community members.

Predictors of Loneliness among Older Adults in South-Eastern Nigeria : Implications for Social Workers

Old-age loneliness is a crucial public health issue with mortality consequences as well as other negative health conditions and lifestyles including depression, substance abuse, sedentary lifestyles, and suicide ideation. This study investigated the predictors of loneliness among older adults in Nigeria’s southeast in order to articulate some interventions that will plummet the issue. A structured questionnaire (N = 516), in-depth interviews (N = 8), and focus group discussion (N = 16) were used to collect data from respondents aged 60 years or older. The quantitative data sets were subjected to chi-square and binary regression analysis, while a thematic analysis was adopted for the qualitative data. The study’s findings show that some demographic factors such as the number of children (p < .002), health status (p < .023), and social support (p < .014), among others, were statistically significant in predicting loneliness among older adults. The study, therefore, recommends the consideration of community-based services to enable elderly adults to buffer the experience of loneliness. Social workers should also influence the various organs responsible for social policies to formulate and promote policies that address the well-being of older adults.

Abuse of Older Adults: A Study of the Prevalence and Type of Abuse and Its Relationships to Psychological Distress

Several studies have investigated the antecedents of abuse against older adults in developed countries, but little is known about the prevalence, type, and psychological distress of abuse against older adults in Nigeria. This study examined the prevalence and type of abuse and its links to psychological distress among older adults in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was used to recruit 392 respondents ranging in age from 60 to 80 years old (M = 70.77, S = 6.33) using a convenient sampling technique. Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire. The data were summarized using descriptive statistics like frequency counts, percentages, means, and standard deviations, and the hypothesis was tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results showed a relatively moderate prevalence of abuse (28.3%) among older adults, while emotional (18%) and verbal (82%) were the types of abuse that the respondents experienced. Finally, psychological distress had a statistically significant main effect on older adults' abuse (F3,388 = 28.69, p < .05). The study concluded that the prevalence of abuse against older adults is below average in the study setting, with verbal and emotional abuse being the most common types among the respondents. It was also concluded that psychological distress influenced abuse towards older adults.

Associations of chronic illnesses and socio-demographic factors with health-related quality of life of older adults in Nigeria: A cross-sectional study.

The increase in life expectancy has brought about a higher prevalence of chronic illnesses among older people. To identify common chronic illnesses among older adults, to examine the influence of such conditions on their Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), and to determine factors predicting their HRQoL. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving 377 individuals aged 60 years and above who were selected using multi-stage sampling techniques in Olorunda Local Government, Osun State, Nigeria. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire comprising socio-demographic characteristics, chronic illnesses, and the World Health Organization quality of life instrument (WHOQOL-BREF) containing physical health, psychological, social relationships, and environmental domains. About half (51.5%) of the respondents reported at least one chronic illness which has lasted for 1-5 years (43.3%). The prevalence of hypertension was 36.1%, diabetes 13.9% and arthritis 13.4%. Respondents with chronic illness had significantly lower HRQoL overall and in the physical health, social relationships and the environmental domains (all p<0.05) compared to those without a chronic illness. Factors that predicted HRQoL include age, marital status, level of education, the presence of chronic illness and prognosis of the condition. This study concluded that chronic illness is prevalent in Nigerian older people and significantly influence their HRQoL. Age, marital status, and level of education were associated with HRQoL in this group. Postdoctoral fellowship from Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Afric.

Nigerian healthcare workers’ perception of transdisciplinary approach to older adults’ care: A qualitative case study

Introduction There is a growing interest in collaborative care for older adults in Nigeria; however, little is known about the application of a transdisciplinary approach to care in a typical Nigerian geriatric unit. Therefore, we described healthcare professionals’ (HCPs’) perception of a transdisciplinary approach to older adults’ care in Southern Nigeria. Methods Using Stakian’s approach to a qualitative case study, we purposively invited 16 HCPs working in the geriatric unit of a teaching hospital in Nigeria to a single, in-depth, semi-structured interview. We analysed data using Stakian’s approach of categorical aggregation and direct interpretation. Results Our participants identified five-key features of a transdisciplinary approach to care: consolidated consultation, consolidated care documentation, care files accessibility, shared care decision and a designated care manager. HCPs stated that transdisciplinary approach to care allowed for a consolidated consultation of patients, with all the HCPs (in the same room or via telehealth/telemedicine) and care decisions should be shared between all stakeholders and documented in an accessible unified electronic care document that is managed by a care manager. Factors ranging from lack of consensus on time for a consolidation consultation to inter-professional conflicts were perceived as possible hindrances to a transdisciplinary approach to older adults’ care. Discussion The features of transdisciplinary care described in this study partly aligned with the WHO’s integrated care for older people (ICOPE). Additional components not captured in ICOPE were found. While the description of transdisciplinary was from the perceptive of our study participant, caution should be applied when interpreting these findings.

EDUCATIONAL CHALLENGES OF CHILDREN IN SKIPPED GENERATION HOUSEHOLDS IN NIGERIA

The paper examined the challenges of accessing education by Nigerian children raised in an unusual family context, the skipped generation households. Specifically, it determined the proportion of Nigerian school-age children in skipped generation households enrolled in the formal school system and investigated the children’s perception of the effect of living in skipped generation household on their education. The paper also ascertained regional differences in education challenges experienced by children in skipped generation households. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. The research procedure involved the collection of primary data through the administration of a survey questionnaire on 2144 indexed children from three purposively selected states representing the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria. The results showed that 88.2% of Nigerian children in skipped generation households were enrolled in the formal school system, and that significant regional variations existed in school attendance by children in skipped generation households. Also, a substantial majority (74.1%) of grandchildren reported that living in SGHs had no negative effect on their academic performance. The specific education challenges of school-going children in skipped generation households included having to do assignment alone, not getting enough time to study, and difficulty in paying school fee. The results further indicated that the education challenges experienced by children in skipped generation households were significantly different across the selected states which constitute the study area. The paper highlighted the need for government to improve the welfare of older adults in Nigeria, especially those who serve as custodial grandparents for their grandchildren.

Associations of Neighborhood Walkability with Sedentary Time in Nigerian Older Adults.

Previous studies have investigated the potential role of neighborhood walkability in reducing sedentary behavior. However, the majority of this research has been conducted in adults and Western developed countries. The purpose of the present study was to examine associations of neighborhood environmental attributes with sedentary time among older adults in Nigeria. Data from 353 randomly-selected community-dwelling older adults (60 years and above) in Maiduguri, Nigeria were analyzed. Perceived attributes of neighborhood environments and self-reported sedentary time were assessed using Nigerian-validated and reliable measures. Outcomes were weekly minutes of total sedentary time, minutes of sitting on a typical weekday, and minutes of sitting on a typical weekend day. In multivariate regression analyses, higher walkability index, proximity to destinations, access to services, traffic safety, and safety from crime were associated with less total sedentary time and sedentary time on both a weekday and a weekend day. Moderation analysis showed that only in men was higher walking infrastructure and safety found to be associated with less sedentary time, and higher street connectivity was associated with more sedentary time. The findings suggest that improving neighborhood walkability may be a mechanism for reducing sedentary time among older adults in Nigeria.

Television, radio, and telephone: Tools for reducing loneliness among older adults in Nigeria

Television, radio, and telephone: Tools for reducing loneliness among older adults in Nigeria

Television, radio, and telephone: Tools for reducing loneliness among older adults in Nigeria

Television, radio, and telephone: Tools for reducing loneliness among older adults in Nigeria

Caring for the seniors with chronic illness: The lived experience of caregivers of older adults

BackgroundCaregivers of the elderly with chronic illnesses are exposed to the burden associated with their caregiving activities. This study described the lived experience of caregivers of older adults in Nigeria. MethodsA qualitative design guided by interpretive phenomenology informed the design of the research, whereby 15 in-depth interviews were conducted with caregivers of older adults with chronic illnesses. The interview sessions were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim and analysed using constant comparison analysis method. ResultsFifteen caregivers, from different parts of Osun State, Nigeria, took part in the in-depth interviews. The caregivers were aged between 19 and 70 years, ten were women, five of them had secondary education, seven were self-employed and six were in a spousal relationship. The study uncovered four interrelated themes with explanatory subthemes—commitment to preservation of life (managing challenges associated with daily routine, problem with mobility, bathing and grooming, feeding, and problem with hygiene) (ii) denial (refusal to accept that burden exists), other things suffer (disruption of family process, suffering from poor health and social isolation), (iv) reciprocity of care (pride in caregiving, caregiving as a necessity and not by choice, and law of karma). ConclusionThis study provides insight into the burden of care of older adults with chronic illness. Caregivers’ commitment to preserving life makes them provide assistance whose performance even run contrary to their own wellbeing. Intervention programme should be designed to support the caregivers thereby improving their wellbeing.

Burden and Coping Ability of Individuals Caring for Chronically Ill Older Adults in Nigeria: A Mixed Methods Study.

Family members play key roles in the care of older adults with chronic illness. However, little is known about the negative consequences of caregiving in Sub-Sahara Africa. The current study examined the influence of caregivers' burden and coping ability on the health-related quality of life of caregivers of older adults with chronic illness. An exploratory sequential mixed methods study was conducted among 16 family members. Findings showed that caregivers experienced severe burden, coped moderately with the burden, and had poor quality of life. Furthermore, directed content analysis of the in-depth interviews uncovered six major themes: (a) Being Pulled in Opposite Directions, (b) Experiencing Poor Health, (c) Receiving Support From Family and Friends, (d) Turning to God for Help, (e) Seeking Relief for Aching Bodies, and (f) Seeking Remedies for Sleeplessness. The current findings may have implications for designing programs that aim to improve the well-being of caregivers. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 45(1), 39-46.].

Church-based organisations and their role in the support of older adults in Nnewi, South-east Nigeria

Background: Despite increase in the number of older adults in Nigeria, and the health, social and economic implications that accompany this reality due to burden of care on families, little is known about the role of church-based organisations in the provision of support and care to older adults in Nigeria. The aim of this study was to explore the place of the church in the support and care of older adults. Data Source and Method: Sample size of (n = 40) participants were recruited for the study. Focus Group Discussion and In-depth Interview were employed for data collection. Results: The findings revealed that church-based organisations were a significant source of support for older adults; however, some of the support provided by church-based organisations was exclusively at the reach of older adults who are members of a particular church network. Conclusion: The paper therefore recommends for an all-inclusive support and care for older adults by church-based organisations in the society, irrespective of the one’s religious denomination.

Describing reasons for loneliness among older people in Nigeria

ABSTRACTThe rural-urban migration of family members often leads to a higher probability of older people living alone, and minimizes family/social networks, which increases old age loneliness. In this study, we describe the existence of loneliness among older adults in Nigeria and its factors, aiming to inform the development of interventions for reducing old age loneliness. We adopted a descriptive phenomenological approach to the qualitative design, purposefully selecting and conducting face-to-face interviews with 12 older adults aged 58–88. We analyzed the data using a Thematic Analysis. Results of the analysis revealed three major themes: perception and existence of loneliness, factors for loneliness, and context-dependent coping strategies. We described results based on the theory of interactionist perspectives of loneliness and drew policy implications from this. Participants drew interesting associations between loneliness, decreasing family/social networks, recent family ties structures, disability-associated ageing, and lack of social programs, and suggested context-dependent coping strategies to reduce loneliness.

The Burden Experience of Formal and Informal Caregivers of Older Adults With Hip Fracture in Nigeria.

IntroductionThe incidence of hip fracture among older adults in Nigeria is on the rise. As a result, there is increased frequency of hospitalization, patient suffering, family burden, and societal cost. One dimension that has not been sufficiently explored is the burden of care experienced by informal and formal caregivers.ObjectivesTo describe the care burden experience of informal and formal caregivers for older adults with hip fractures in a specialized orthopedic center in Nigeria and to explore in detail how their experience differs in caregiving roles.MethodThis study was conducted in the phenomenological approach of qualitative methods. Face-to-face interviews and focus group interaction with 12 family caregivers and 5 health-care professionals were carried out until data saturation was achieved. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsThe physical, emotional, and general health of elderly hip fracture patients are issues that affect caregiving. Factors that contribute to increased caregivers’ burden include system factors (lack of personnel and health-care facilities) and patient factors: comorbidity, patient’s cognitive status, and challenges completing activities of daily living (ADL). Social and financial barriers to care contribute to the type of burden experienced by the participants.ConclusionsCaregivers experience difficulty in helping patients complete their ADL because patients with hip fracture have mobility issues that are often complicated by comorbid physical and cognitive problems. Strategies to reduce caregivers’ burden for older adults with hip fracture in Nigeria are needed. Greater access to health-care services and ADL aids, and training of caregivers on how to deal with cognitive and multimorbid health problems are potential solutions.