Double Burden of Living Alone and in Poor Condition among Older Persons in Urban Nigeria: A Multilevel Analysis of Associated Factors

Jacob W. Mobolaji, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife

Living alone is associated with loneliness, depression and cardiovascular diseases. Living alone and in poor conditions (LAPC) post greater threat to older persons’ wellbeing. Understanding this dyad is imperative for improving the health of older Nigerians. This study investigates the prevalence and determinants of LAPC among urban-dwelling older Nigerians. It analyzed 5,225 weighted sample of older persons aged =60 from Nigeria’s Demographic and Health Survey, 2018. Associations were examined using multilevel multinomial logistic regression model. From the results, 11.5% live alone, of which 55.4% live in poor conditions. The risk of LAPC was 86% higher (RRR=1.86;p<0.001;95% C.I=1.38-2.50) for women, but 61-90% lower for primary/secondary (RRR=0.39;p<0.001;95% C.I=0.28-0.54) and tertiary education, North-East, North-West and South-Eastern Nigeria, and in low-poverty communities. The random-effect indicates that individual- and community-level factors accounted for 42% and 69%, respectively, of the variations in LAPC. This study recommends gender-specific and community-based support to enhance the older persons' well-being.