PHYSICAL NEEDS AND HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE ELDERLY IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Introduction: As individuals live longer, their needs become even more important, particularly with regard to maintaining functional independence and improving Health Quality of Life (HRQoL).
The objective of the study was to assess physical needs and Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of the elderly in Benin City, Edo state.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study among the elderly in Benin City selected by multistage sampling method, their caregivers as well as relevant stakeholders/policy makers. Pre-tested, structured questionnaires and FGD guide were the tools for data collection. Data analysis was by IBM SPSS version 20. Univariate analysis was carried out on categorical data and was presented as frequencies and percentages. Numerical data that were normal in distribution were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and continuous variables that were skewed in distribution were expressed as median ± range. Chi Squared statistical test of association was carried out for non-parametric data. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare associations where the total expected cell frequencies less than five was more than 20%. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: A total of 642 elderly respondents and 337 caregivers from 14,931 households (2,404 houses) participated in the study. Thirteen FGDs, 3 Key informants and 2 In-depth interviews were conducted. In addition, 452 houses were assessed using an observational checklist. Most, 605 (94.2%) of the respondents had met physical needs, however, only 48 (7.5%) of the respondents had good nutritional status. A higher proportion, 570 (88.8%) of the respondents had met health needs. Almost equal proportions, 320 (98.2%) and 310 (98.1%) of the male and female respondents had good HRQoL respectively. Over half 182 (54.0%) of the caregivers had good knowledge on the care of the elderly and the knowledge was higher among the male caregivers with 48 (72.7%).
Most, 320 (95.0%) of the caregivers had positive attitude towards caring for the elderly and the positive attitude was higher among the female caregivers with 259 (95.6%). All Key Informant and In-Depth Interviewees agreed that there is need for a policy for the care of the elderly.
Conclusion: The study showed met physical and health needs and good HRQoL, but poor nutritional status was observed among the elderly. The caregivers had good knowledge and positive attitude towards the care of the elderly. Government should ensure that the policy for the care of the elderly is pass into law and strengthening the family system to be able to continue to carry out its traditional age long role of caring and supporting the elderly through supportive social services such as free medical care and transportation, soft loans and grants.

PHYSICAL NEEDS AND HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE ELDERLY IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA