FACTORS INFLUENCING MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS OF THE ELDERLY IN IDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The Mental Health (MH) of the elderly is as a result of inter-play of several factors. The elderly population experience loneliness, visual impairment and perceived inadequacy of care which increase their risk of Mental Health Problems (MHPs). However there is a dearth of information on factors influencing MPHs among the elderly in ldo Local Government Area, which could be used to design intervention for promoting their health. This study was designed to investigate the factors influencing MHPs of the elderly in Ido Local Government Area. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey. A three-stage random sampling technique was adopted to select 6 out of 10 wards, 12 out of 79 communities and one consenting respondent from each household. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaire that contained the individual characteristics, physical environment, social and economic factors, risk and protective factors influencing MHPs. Knowledge of causes of MHPs was measured on a 30-point scale; scores ≤10, >10-20 and >20 were categorised as poor, fair and good, respectively. Risk factors influencing mental health were measured on a 26-point scale in which scores 1-13 were categorised as poor and 14-26 as good. Protective factors influencing MH were measured on 26-point scale in which scores 1-12 were categorised as poor and 13-24 as good, respectively. Four Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted among two male groups and two female groups, respectively. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Chi-square tests and logistic regression model at p=0.05 while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Respondents' age was 70.4±9.3 years, 54.0% are males, 31.4% had formal education and 32.6% were farmers. Respondent's knowledge score was 11.9±7.4. Those with poor, fair, and good knowledge of MPHs were 11.4%, 82.1% and 6.4%, respectively. Risk factors influencing MHPs among respondents were dissatisfaction with life (76.6%), dissatisfaction with economic position (67.6%) and loneliness (60.4%). Family support (88.3%) and active participation in community activities (65%) were protective factors promoting MH among the respondents. Majority of the respondents (74.2%) had poor protective factors influencing their MH, while 66.4% reported risk factors influencing MH. Significantly, more respondents with no formal education (68.6%) to risk factors influencing MH compared to 31.4% with formal education. Respondents with no formal education were less likely to have good MH compared to those with formal education (OR= 0.36 CI=0.17-0.67). Respondents who received higher income from all sources were more likely to have good protective factors influencing their MH compared to others (OR=2.2; CI=1.2-6.1). The FGDs revealed that abuse of the respondents had negative effect on their MH. Dissatisfaction with life, economic position and loneliness were factors influencing mental health problems of elderly people in ldo. Family support and active participation in community activities promote mental health of the elderly. Establishment of a geriatric center in the rural areas, creating awareness for good family relationships and active participation in social groups is recommended.