Socio-Demographic Correlates of Well-Being of the Elderly in a Rural Community in North Central Nigeria, Sub-Sahara Africa

Atte O. Grace, University of Ibadan
Ayo S. Adebowale, University of Ibadan

In Nigeria, government and family have poor attention on care for elderly and information on factors influencing elderly well-being is scarce. This study was therefore designed to identify predictors of elderly well-being in a rural community in Nigeria. The cross-sectional design study adopted multi-stage sampling procedures. Well-being scores was captured using WHOQOL-Brief. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, anova test, and logistic regression. Good well-being among the elderly decreases with age. Elderly males (OR=1.5, C.I=1.2-1.9), currently married elderly (OR=2.3, C.I=1.8-3.0), and elderly from monogamy family type (OR= 1.6, C.I=1.3-2.0) were more likely to experience good well-being. The likelihood of good well-being was lower among elderly with no formal education (OR=0.2, C.I=0.1-0.3). Currently working elderly were more likely to experience good well-being (OR= 2.1, C.I= 1.6-2.6). Among the currently working elderly, the odd of good well-being was lower among self employed (OR=0.5, C.I=0.3-0.8).