Socio-Demographic Pattern of Physical Function and Self-Rated Health of Older Adults in an Oil-Rich State of Nigeria

ABSTRACT

The physical function (PF) and self-rated health (SRH) of older adults (50–80+ years), and the association with their socio-demographic characteristics was investigated in a Nigerian setting. Questionnaire-based SRH and PF scales were used to obtain information from 1480 respondents selected by age-stratified sampling. Although it varied by socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, marital status, education, economic status, occupation, housing, suburban/urban residence, loneliness) the overall prevalence of poor SRH and PF was 39.2% and 44.1%, respectively. All the socio-demographic factors were predictors of SRH and PF except gender which was not significantly associated with PF (P > .05; OR, 1.28; 95% CL, 0.78–2.10). SRH was significantly (P < .01) associated with the three domains of PF: function (OR = 20.25, 95% CL = 11.18–46.35); satisfaction with physical activity (OR = 3.37, 95% CL = 2.11–5.38); and mobility (OR = 30.00, 95% CL = 16.19–54.60). In conclusion, a welfare scheme guided by socio-demographic factors is required to improve SRH and PF of older adults in this Nigerian setting.

KEYWORDS:

• Physical function
• self-rated health
• older adults
• Nigerian setting

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

The study was not supported financially by any organization.