Patterns of chronic illness among older patients attending a university hospital in Nigeria

Background: The rising burden of chronic diseases has attracted the attention of public health researchers and policymakers worldwide. Objectives: To assess the demographic, morbidity and outcome patterns of chronic illness among the older patients at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Design: Retrospective study Setting: Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Participants: Seven hundred and eighty-eight (788) adults (60 years and over) hospitalized between 2010 and 2014 in the hospital. Interventions: None Results: The age of the selected study population ranged from 60 to 99 years with a mean of 76.08(±10.42). More than half (53.0%) were between 60–69 years, with a subsequent decline. Male patients accounted for 64.0%, but females were more frequent among patients 80 years and older. The most common health conditions were heart diseases (22.5%), neoplasm (13.2%), cerebrovascular accident (12.4%), and gastrointestinal diseases (14.5%). The records showed that 14.9% were referred to other institution for various reasons (including further management, lack of space, industrial action by workers, discharged against medical advice or dead). Conclusion: Heart diseases were the major chronic illnesses among the older adults followed by neoplasm conditions, while musculoskeletal conditions were the least. It also found that there was a poor outcome of conditions amongolder adults in this setting. Therefore, efforts should be made towards the prevention and reduction of chronic illnesses, as well as improving the outcome of care. Keywords: chronic diseases, older adults, health care, retrospective, demographic Funding: Doctoral Fellowship from Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Afric

Breastfeeding profile and practice of Nigerian mothers: a cross-sectional survey

Background: Breastfeeding patterns in the developing world are still below the recommended levels and the potential to improve child survival remains untapped. This study investigated the breastfeeding profile and practices of Nigerian nursing mothers.  Methods: This cross-sectional survey involved women at attending selected baby-friendly facilities in Ile-Ife, South-West, Nigeria who had breastfed their most recent baby for a minimum of six months. A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data on demographics, infant-maternal characteristics and breastfeeding practices. 383 mothers volunteered for this study, yielding a response rate of 95.7%. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at 0.05 alpha level.Results: The mean age of the respondent was 29.0 ± 4.96 years. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rate was 86.2%. Breastfeeding initiation time of less than 1 hour after delivery and 24 hours rooming-in practice rate was 78.3% and 79.1% respectively. Daily breastfeeding time and total breastfeeding duration was 8.06 ± 2.33 hours and 18.3 ± 4.82 months respectively. The mean onset time for water supplementation was 4.74 ± 1.77 months with a rate of 30.3% within 1-3 months. Weaning initiation time was mostly (43.9%) within 12 to 18 month of infant’s age.  There was significant association between EBF practice and each of maternal education (X2 = 6.554; P = 0.038) and Socio-Economic Status (SES) (X2 = 19.32; P = 0.031) with most of the respondents in the lower SES (56.1%) subscribing to EBF.Conclusions: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rate for the first six months among Nigerian mothers attending baby-friendly clinics was high. Breastfeeding initiation time after delivery was early, water supplementation to breastfeeding was before 5 months of the infant’s life and weaning practice was late. Maternal educational level and socio-economic status significantly influenced EBF practice.

Risk for depression affects older people’s possibilities to exercise self-determination in using time, social relationships and living life as one wants: A cross-sectional study with frail older people

Exercising self-determination in daily life is highly valued by older people. However, being in the hands of other people may challenge the older people’s possibilities to exercise self-determination in their daily life. Among frail older people living in Sweden, risk for depression is highly predominant. There is a knowledge gap regarding if, and how having a risk of depression affects older people’s self-determination. The objective was, therefore, to explore if, and in that case how, frail older people’s self-determination is affected by the risk of depression. In this cross-sectional, secondary data analysis, with 161 communitydwelling frail older people, simple logistic regression models were performed to explore the association between self-determination, the risk of depression and demographic variables. The findings showed that risk for depression and reduced self-determination were significantly associated in the dimensions: use of time (P=0.020), social relationship (P=0.003), help and support others (P=0.033), and the overall self-determination item (P=0.000). Risk for depression significantly affected self-determination in use of time (OR=3.04, P=0.014), social relationship (OR=2.53, P=0.011), and overall self-determination (OR=6.17, P=0.000). This point out an increased need of strengthening healthcare professionals’ perspectives, and attitudes towards a self-determined, friendly, and person-centred dialogue

Relationship between 3-meter backward walk test and grip strength test in community-dwelling older adults

Introduction The 3-Meter Backward Walk Test (3-MBWT) is an important assessment tool used in evaluating neuromuscular control, proprioception, risk of falls and balance. On the other hand, the Hand Grip Strength (HGS) test primarily is used to measure muscular strength or maximum tension generated by one’s forearm muscles. This study aimed to assess the relationship between 3-MBWT and HGS among community-dwelling older adults. Material and methods Sixty-two community-dwelling older adults participated in this study. 3- MBWT was measured using a standardized procedure. HGS was measured in line with the guidelines of the American Society of Hand Therapists. Anthropometric variables were assessed following standard procedures. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to verify the correlation between 3-MBWT and HGS and the influence of socio-demographic factors on both 3-MBWT and HGS. Results The mean age was 68 ± 2 years. The mean values for 3-MBWT and HGS were 3.45 ± 0.80s and 29.58 ± 15.53kg. There was a significant correlation between 3-MBWT and HGS (r = -0.39; p = 0.002). However, there was no significant correlation between 3-MBWT and sociodemographics (p > 0.05). Similarly, there was no significant correlation between HGS and sociodemographics (p>0.05), except height (r=0.51, p<0.001). Conclusions The 3-MBWT and HGS were significantly correlated with one another. Anthropometric characteristics did not influence the 3-MBWT. On the other hand, only height and gender showed a significant influence on HGS. Therefore, both 3-MBWT and HGS may serve as useful functional outcome measures for fall predictability and frailty in older adults

Perception knowledge and attitude of nursing students towards the care of older patients

The objectives of the study were to assess the perception, knowledge, and attitude of nursing students towards old age and care of the older adults and to examine personal characteristics that could predict their attitude.Two hundred and eighty students were systematically selected from learning institutions for nursing in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Data on perception, knowledge, and attitude were collected with the aid of a validated self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive analysis and inferential statistics were done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences.Results showed that 66.1% and 71.8% of respondents had a positive perception and attitudes towards the care of older people, respectively. It further revealed that respondents believed that nurses should be patient, cheerful and sensitive (97.2%); as well as empathetic (91.4%) when caring for the older patients. The respondents also expressed that caring for the older patients goes beyond the basic nursing care (66.1%) and 90% supported the need for a geriatric unit in the hospital. Furthermore, 60% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of essential clinical practice in the care of older patients. There was a statistically significant association between attitude and perception (OR = 1.11; p = 0.002) and age category 20â25 (OR = 0.45; p = 0.04). However, there was no significant association between the attitude of the respondents and knowledge (Ï2 = 4.16; df = 2; p = 0.125).The study concluded that the respondents have positive perception and attitude as well as good knowledge towards the care of the older adults. These should be reinforced to enhance a better clinical outcome in the care of the older adults. Keywords: Ageing, Attitude, Knowledge, Older adults, Perceptio

Associations of chronic illnesses and socio-demographic factors with health-related quality of life of older adults in Nigeria : a cross-sectional study

Background: The increase in life expectancy has brought about a higher prevalence of chronic illnesses among older people. Objectives: To identify common chronic illnesses among older adults, to examine the influence of such conditions on their Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), and to determine factors predicting their HRQoL. Method: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving 377 individuals aged 60 years and above who were selected using multi-stage sampling techniques in Olorunda Local Government, Osun State, Nigeria. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire comprising socio-demographic characteristics, chronic illnesses, and the World Health Organization quality of life instrument (WHOQOL-BREF) containing physical health, psychological, social relationships, and environmental domains. Results: About half (51.5%) of the respondents reported at least one chronic illness which has lasted for 1–5 years (43.3%). The prevalence of hypertension was 36.1%, diabetes 13.9% and arthritis 13.4%. Respondents with chronic illness had significantly lower HRQoL overall and in the physical health, social relationships and the environmental domains (all p<0.05) compared to those without a chronic illness. Factors that predicted HRQoL include age, marital status, level of education, the presence of chronic illness and prognosis of the condition. Conclusion: This study concluded that chronic illness is prevalent in Nigerian older people and significantly influence their HRQoL. Age, marital status, and level of education were associated with HRQoL in this group

Associations of chronic illnesses and socio-demographic factors with health-related quality of life of older adults in Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

Background: The increase in life expectancy has brought about a higher prevalence of chronic illnesses among older people. Objectives: To identify common chronic illnesses among older adults, to examine the influence of such conditions on their Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), and to determine factors predicting their HRQoL. Method: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving 377 individuals aged 60 years and above who were selected using multi-stage sampling techniques in Olorunda Local Government, Osun State, Nigeria. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire comprising socio-demographic characteristics, chronic illnesses, and the World Health Organization quality of life instrument (WHOQOL-BREF) containing physical health, psychological, social relationships, and environmental domains. Results: About half (51.5%) of the respondents reported at least one chronic illness which has lasted for 1–5 years (43.3%). The prevalence of hypertension was 36.1%, diabetes 13.9% and arthritis 13.4%. Respondents with chronic illness had significantly lower HRQoL overall and in the physical health, social relationships and the environmental domains (all p<0.05) compared to those without a chronic illness. Factors that predicted HRQoL include age, marital status, level of education, the presence of chronic illness and prognosis of the condition. Conclusion: This study concluded that chronic illness is prevalent in Nigerian older people and significantly influence their HRQoL. Age, marital status, and level of education were associated with HRQoL in this group

Badanie porównawcze wytrzymałości mięśni brzucha u kobiet nierodzących i kobiet po porodzie

Background: Normative databases on abdominal muscles performance in women are essential in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal impairment and as reference values for post-partum rehabilitation targets. This study quantified and investigated the predictors of the static and dynamic abdominal muscles endurance of nulliparous and parous women.Methods: Two hundred and fifty five consenting volunteers (131 nulliparous and 124 parous women) participated in this study. Partial curl-up test of the Canadian Standardized Test of Fitness was used to assess Static Abdominal Muscles Endurance (SAME) and Dynamic Abdominal Muscles Endurance (DAME) respectively. Demographic and anthropometric data were also obtained. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The Alpha level was set at 0.05.Results: The mean SAME and DAME of all the participants were 33.90 ±20.78 seconds and 16.26 ±8.76 repetitions respectively. Nulliparous women exhibited significantly higher mean SAME (42.71 ±22.59 vs. 24.59 ±13.50 seconds) and DAME (19.45 ±8.96 vs. 12.88 ±1.17) (p=0.001) values respectively. Both SAME and DAME values differed significantly (p&lt;0.05) across the parous group. The primiparae had higher SAME and DAME values than their multiparae counterparts (p&lt;0.05). A significant correlation existed between SAME and DAME (p=0.001). Age, number of births and anthropometric parameters were significant predictors of SAME and DAME (p&lt;0.05).Conclusion: This study established a set of reference mean values for static and dynamic abdominal muscles endurance in nulliparous and parous women. Parity was associated with a significant decrease in the static and dynamic abdominal muscles endurance capacity. Age, high level of adiposity and the number of births were significant predictors of decreased abdominal muscles endurance. It is adduced that decreased abdominal muscles endurance in women may be precipitated and perpetuated by parity.Wprowadzenie: Wartości normatywne siły mięśni brzucha u kobiet są istotne zarówno w diagnostyce zaburzeń mięśniowoszkieletowych, jak i stanowią punkt odniesienia w ustalaniu celów rehabilitacji po porodzie. Niniejsze badanie określa wielkość oraz analizuje predyktory statycznej i dynamicznej wytrzymałości mięśni brzucha u kobiet nierodzących i rodzących. Metody: W badaniu wzięło udział dwieście pięćdziesiąt pięć kobiet (131 nierodzących i 124 rodzących). W celu oceny statycznej i dynamicznej wytrzymałości mięśni brzucha (ang. Static Abdominal Muscles Endurance, SAME; Dynamic Abdominal Muscles Endurance, DAME) wykorzystano test Partial Curl-Up Test (test częściowego unoszenia tułowia wykonywany w pozycji leżenia tyłem o nogach ugiętych) będący składową testu sprawności Canadian Standardized Test of Fitness. Od badanych uzyskano także dane demograficzne i antropometryczne. Do analizy danych wykorzystano statystyki opisowe oraz dedukcyjne. Wartość alfa ustalono na poziomie 0,05. Wyniki: Średnie wyniki SAME i DAME wszystkich uczestniczek wynosiły odpowiednio 33,90 ±20,78 sekund i 16,26 ±8,76 powtórzeń. Kobiety nierodzące odznaczały się znamiennie wyższą średnią wartością pomiarów SAME (42,71 ±22,59 vs. 24,59 ±13,50 sekund) oraz DAME (19,45 ±8,96 vs. 12,88 ±1,17) (p=0,001). Wartości pomiarów SAME i DAME także różniły się znamiennie (p<0,05) w obrębie samej grupy kobiet rodzących. Kobiety, które urodziły 1 dziecko odznaczały się wyższymi wartościami pomiarów SAME i DAME niż te, które rodziły więcej razy (p<0,05). Stwierdzono znamienną korelację pomiędzy wartościami pomiarów SAME i DAME (p=0.001). Wiek, ilość porodów oraz zmienne antropometryczne okazały się być znamiennymi predyktorami wartości SAME i DAME (p<0,05). Podsumowanie: Wyniki niniejszego badania pozwalają na stworzenie zestawienia referencyjnych wartości średnich wytrzymałości statycznej i dynamicznej mięśni brzucha u kobiet rodzących i nierodzących. Ciąża wpływa znamiennie zarówno na spadek wytrzymałości statycznej, jak i dynamicznej mięśni brzucha. Wiek, otyłość i liczba porodów są ważnymi predyktorami spadku wytrzymałości mięśni brzucha. Wskazuje się, że zmniejszenie wytrzymałości mięśni brzucha może być wywoływane i utrwalane przez macierzyństwo