Factors associated with self-reported ill health among older Ugandans: a cross sectional study

Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2015 Sep-Oct;61(2):231-9. doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2015.05.006. Epub 2015 May 22.

Abstract

Introduction: There is limited research on the prevalence and factors associated with self-reported ill health among older people in Uganda.

Objective: Therefore, the aim of this paper was to estimate the prevalence of self-reported ill health and to identify associated risk factors among older people (age 50+) in Uganda.

Materials and methods: We conducted secondary analysis of a cross sectional survey data from a weighted sample of 2382 older persons from the 2010 Uganda National Household survey. We used frequency distributions for descriptive statistics, chi-square tests (significance set at 95%) to identify initial associations and multivariable logistic regressions reporting odds ratios to examine observed associations with self-reported ill health.

Results: Over half (62%) of the older people reported ill health in the 30 days preceding the survey. Self-reported ill health was positively associated with being a woman, being among the oldest old, living in the eastern region, being a household head, being Catholic, self-reported non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and being disabled.

Conclusion: Gender differentials exist in self-reported ill health among older persons in Uganda.

Keywords: Elderly; Health status; Self-rated health; Sub-Saharan Africa; Uganda.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging*
  • Chronic Disease / epidemiology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Disabled Persons / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Residence Characteristics / statistics & numerical data
  • Risk Factors
  • Self Report
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Uganda / epidemiology