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.
OPIO, J (2021). FACTORS INFLUENCING HEALTH AND SELF-CARE OF THE ELDERLY IN MADINA MUNICIPALITY, GREATER ACCRA REGION, GHANA. Afribary. Retrieved from https://afribary.com/works/factors-influencing-health-and-self-care-of-the-elderly-in-madina-municipality-greater-accra-region-ghana
OPIO, JENNIFER "FACTORS INFLUENCING HEALTH AND SELF-CARE OF THE ELDERLY IN MADINA MUNICIPALITY, GREATER ACCRA REGION, GHANA" Afribary. Afribary, 31 Mar. 2021, https://afribary.com/works/factors-influencing-health-and-self-care-of-the-elderly-in-madina-municipality-greater-accra-region-ghana. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
OPIO, JENNIFER . "FACTORS INFLUENCING HEALTH AND SELF-CARE OF THE ELDERLY IN MADINA MUNICIPALITY, GREATER ACCRA REGION, GHANA". Afribary, Afribary, 31 Mar. 2021. Web. 22 Dec. 2024. < https://afribary.com/works/factors-influencing-health-and-self-care-of-the-elderly-in-madina-municipality-greater-accra-region-ghana >.
OPIO, JENNIFER . "FACTORS INFLUENCING HEALTH AND SELF-CARE OF THE ELDERLY IN MADINA MUNICIPALITY, GREATER ACCRA REGION, GHANA" Afribary (2021). Accessed December 22, 2024. https://afribary.com/works/factors-influencing-health-and-self-care-of-the-elderly-in-madina-municipality-greater-accra-region-ghana