Depression, functional disability, and accessing health care among older Ghanaians and South Africans: a comparative study based on WHO study on global ageing and adult health (SAGE)

Abstract

Objectives

The study explored the association and variabilities between mild depression, functional disability, and healthcare access among older Ghanaians and South Africans.

Method

The data used in this study was based on the Cross-sectional wave 1 (2007–2010) data from WHO's Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE). Using multiple binary logistic regression, responses from a sample of 4558 Ghanaians and 3076 South Africans were analyzed to investigate hypothesized patterns.

Results

The proportion of mild depression (MD) is 6.0 % and 7.53% for older Ghanaians and older South Africans, respectively. At 95% Confidence Interval, increased severity (mild and high levels) of functional disability are associated with increased odds of MD in Ghanaian and South African older adults. Apart from South African older adults, older Ghanaians in the study who do not receive healthcare when needed have increased odds of MD than those who do. Sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors are also associated with MD.

Discussion

An untreated, persistent MD may lead to worse conditions with fatal outcomes. Since mental health care is lacking in both countries, this study may inform policies directed towards support for formal and informal long-term care, and healthcare access to reduce the risks of depression.

Keywords:

• Africa
• social support
• mental health
• health and aging in Africa
• quality of life

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).