Mapping Old Age Disease Patterns and Health Needs in South-Western, Nigeria: A Cross Sectional and Action Oriented Study

Elias olukorede wahab, Lagos State University

How disease patterns & health needs impact on well-being & satisfaction at old-age is unknown? This is critical towards improving the preparation for old-age & increase the dwindling LE at birth among Nigerians. Data was collected through individual-based questionnaire. Multi-stage sampling was employed to select LGAs, EAs and individuals, 810 respondents were interviewed, while supplementing with CSs & IDIs. In-terms of education, > three-fourths of the respondents reported major disease patterns & health needs at old-age. Family structure is statistically related to disease burdens & health needs, those in extended families are more likely to report more disease burdens & health needs than those in nuclear families. Among the females, > one-fifth of the respondents reported more health burdens & health needs. This underscores the inadequacy of health infrastructure & architecture. The idea that old-age security & well-being in Nigeria should remain the primary responsibility of the family is untenable.