Funconal disability among elderly paents aending the General Outpaent clinics of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Populaon ageing is allied to an increase in chronic diseases and decreased funconal independence. This study was  conducted to assess the funconal status of elderly paents aending the General Outpaent Clinic of Usmanu Danfodiyo Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria.

Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-seconal study where 319 elderly paents were systemacally selected. Structured  interviewer-administered quesonnaires and funconality assessment tools were used to collect the necessary informaon. Data were  analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21 stascal computer soware. 

Results: The mean age of the respondents was 65±6, 7 years. The majority  of the respondents were males (52.4%), Hausa (84.0%) and Muslims (89.7%). About 65.2% had no formal educaon and 53.2% lived in an extended family seng. Disability in ADL was 26.3% and 60.0% for IADL. 

Conclusion: Funconal disability in independent living within one's  community is more affected than self-care. Older age is significantly associated with disabilies in both ADL and IADL while educaon and  low income were significantly associated with funconal disability in IADL