Prevalence and Determinants of Self-Reported Chronic Disease Diagnoses among Elderly Persons in South Africa

Dave Temane , University of the Witswatersrand
Mluleki Tsawe, North-West University

This study investigates determinants of chronic diseases in South Africa's elderly population, utilizing 2019 General Household Survey data. Focusing on individuals aged 60 and older, the study employs binary logistic regression to analyze socio-demographic factors' association with selected chronic diseases (cancer, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, stroke). With a weighted sample of 4,887,334, the overall prevalence of diagnosed chronic diseases is 50.2%. Findings reveal a higher prevalence in extended, female-headed households, while the unmarried elderly exhibit the lowest prevalence. Significant determinants include age, sex, population group, marital status, education level, disability, household wealth, composition, and province. This underscores the importance of further research to inform health policies and planning for the elderly population.