Socio-Demographic Characteristic of the Elderly and their Health Care Seeking Behaviour in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The proportion of elderly in the world is growing three times faster than the World population itself. This paper examines the socio-demographic characteristics of the Elderly and their health care seeking behaviour among Elderly persons in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A social survey design was adopted. A sample of 383 elderly persons aged 60 years and above was drawn, using multi-stage sampling techniques including simple random, systematic sampling, clustered and purposive sampling techniques in the selection of electoral wards, towns/villages, main streets, houses, households and individuals. Primary and secondary data were utilized in the study. The primary data were generated through the use of questionnaires. The questionnaires were analyzed quantitatively using logistic regression. The results show that marital status, religion, monthly income, living arrangement and number of children are the most significant socio-demographic characteristics affect the choice the types of medicine and health facilities. The paper recommends that policy formulation and implementation by government should be directed towards improving access to healthcare services. This can be done by increasing the number of health facilities in under-served areas, improved the quality of services in the existing ones, supportive supervision and other measures could be embarked upon in order improve quality and accessibility to health care services and there should be an increase availability of key services by health administrators for the aged population which is a crucial approach to improve health care seeking behaviour among the old. Periodic orientation should be conducted by health administration for health care personnel on rudimentary principles of human relations to make better friendly services for the elderly who need special services.