Prevalence and factors associated with poor self-rated health among community dwelling older adults in Lomé (Togo) in 2019

Authors

  • Fifonsi Adjidossi Gbeasor-Komlanvi Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lomé; African Center of Research in Epidemiology and Public Health, Lomé
  • Martin Kouame Tchankoni African Center of Research in Epidemiology and Public Health, Lomé
  • Ama Boilassi Adjonko Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lomé
  • Wendpouire Ida Carine Zida-Compaore African Center of Research in Epidemiology and Public Health, Lomé, Togo
  • Nicolas Konan Kouakou Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lomé
  • Mofou Belo Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lomé
  • Amegnona Agbonon Laboratory of Physiology and Pharmacology, Lomé, University of Lomé
  • Didier Koumavi Ekouevi Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lomé; African Center of Research in Epidemiology and Public Health, Lomé

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4081/jphia.2020.1302

Keywords:

Ageing, Self-rated health, Associated factors, Togo

Abstract

The number of older adults is increasing worldwide, including in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, there is a paucity of data on the overall health status of older adults living in SSA. To assess the prevalence and factors associated with poor Self-Rated Health (SRH) among community-dwelling older adults in Lomé, Togo, we conducted a cross-sectional study from January to June 2019 in Lomé among community-dwelling older adults aged 50 years and older. A 30- minute questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic characteristics, medical history, patterns of medication use and use of herbal products and dietary supplements during a face-to-face interview. SRH was assessed using a single item: Overall, you would say that your health is… (1) excellent, (2) very good, (3) good, (4) fair and (5) poor with response fair or poor defining poor SRH. A total of 344 respondents with median age 63 years, (IQR: 55-72) were enrolled in the study. Women represented 57.6% of the sample. Overall prevalence of poor SRH was 56.4% (95%CI: 51.0-61.9) and was the highest among females (62.6% vs 47.9%; P=0.007) and participants >60 years (61.5% vs 51.1%; P=0.021). Female sex, aged ≥60 years, osteoarthritis, hospitalization within the 12 months preceding the survey, polypharmacy, and the use of herbal products were factors associated with poor SRH (P<0.05). More than half of community- dwelling older adults had poor SRH in Lomé. Further studies are needed to guide policymakers in their efforts to design and implement meaningful policies to improve older adults health conditions.

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Published

27-10-2020

How to Cite

Gbeasor-Komlanvi, F. A., Tchankoni, M. K., Adjonko, A. B., Zida-Compaore, W. I. C., Kouakou, N. K., Belo, M., Agbonon, A., & Ekouevi, D. K. (2020). Prevalence and factors associated with poor self-rated health among community dwelling older adults in Lomé (Togo) in 2019. Journal of Public Health in Africa, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.4081/jphia.2020.1302

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Original Articles