FACTORS INFLUENCING HEALTH AND SELF-CARE OF THE ELDERLY IN MADINA MUNICIPALITY, GREATER ACCRA REGION, GHANA

ABSTRACT

Background: The growth of the aging population is known to lead to an upsurge in

problems for the older people and to the society. A considerable proportion of older adults

are experiencing added challenges in maintaining their health. With the eroded traditional

family support systems and no formal institutions to take care of the elderly, it is not known

what self-care interventions if any exist in the community and if so what factors influence

their presence or absence. Self-care interventions have been highlighted as the main means

contributing to a better health of older adults. The study investigated the association

between lifestyle, socio-demographic determinants on perceived health and self-care,

describe the health and self-care interventions and finally perceived Health state

characteristics of the elderly.

Methodology: The study used a descriptive cross-sectional design. A total sample size of

375 elderly persons (60 year and above), living in Madina sub-district of La-Nkwantanag

Municipal assembly completed a WHO-SAGE (Study of Global Aging) adapted structured

questionnaire designed for this study. Descriptive statistics was used for analyzing the data

and binary logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between lifestyle,

socio-demographic, self-care on Health status.

Results: The results showed no significant relationship between sex of the respondent and

Self-reported Health status, however significant relationship were noted between Age and

poor health status with more advanced elderly less likely able to report selves with Good

health status. Married elderly persons were among those reported with Good health status.

Elderly from traditional extended families were more by about twice likely to report having

good health status. Older persons highly participating in religious activities were generally

reported in good self-reported health status and those living a responsible self-care were

about 46 times more likely to report selves as with a good health status than those with

abandoned self-care. Chronic Illness was prevalent among elderly at 72.5%.

Conclusion: The present study has contributed significantly to the current literature on

Elderly population, particularly as concerns predictors of Health and Self-care. It provides

the best possible evidence on elderly research. Hopefully early health promotional

interventions targeting the elderly should be prioritized at all levels.