A scoping review of age-related health conditions among geriatric populations in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Background Globally people are living longer, resulting in an increased demand for primary care services to be responsive to geriatric health needs. There is however, little data on the nature and prevalence of age-related health conditions among people aged 60 years and older in the sub-Saharan African (SSA) region. This scoping review was undertaken to synthesise evidence on the scope and nature of age-related health needs among people aged 60 years and older in SSA, in order to inform reforms in health systems and health professions education. Methods We systematically searched five electronic databases for studies published prior to 30 June 2019. Using the keywords “Africa”, “older adult” or “geriatric”, and “health”, two independent reviewers used a set of eligibility criteria to extract and screen the abstracts and full-text publications. Particular focus was given to age-dependent disorders in people over 60 years such as dementia, disability and falls. Results Sixty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. The review revealed a noticeable absence of studies from the majority of Sub-Saharan African countries. Publications included for review represent twelve countries from this region. The morbidities reported on included dementia, functional impairment, mental health, falls, sarcopenia and nutritional disorders, sensory impairment, frailty and musculoskeletal disorders. Many of these conditions co-existed among older adults, resulting in impaired quality of life and disability. Modifiable factors for geriatric morbidity such as hypertension, depression, cognitive and sensory impairments were under-diagnosed and often untreated. Conclusions The body of empiric research and evidence on age-related health conditions in geriatric people in SSA remains small. The prevalence of reported age-related health conditions was comparable to that in high-income countries. However, chronic conditions in the elderly were underdiagnosed and undertreated, often resulting in disability. An urgent review of current health systems and health professions training is required, taking into consideration the findings of this study. Ethics and dissemination : This study did not include human participants. Data was sourced from published literature. Keywords: older adult - geriatric - aged - health - Africa