Prevalence and factors associated with poor self-rated health among communitydwelling older adults in Lomé (Togo) in 2019

Abstract

The number of older adults is increasing worldwide, including in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, there is a paucity of data on the overall health status of older adults living in SSA. To assess the prevalence and factors associated with poor Self-Rated Health (SRH) among community-dwelling older adults in Lomé, Togo, we conducted a cross-sectional study from January to June 2019 in Lomé among community-dwelling older adults aged 50 years and older. A 30- minute questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic characteristics, medical history, patterns of medication use and use of herbal products and dietary supplements during a face-to-face interview. SRH was assessed using a single item: Overall, you would say that your health is… (1) excellent, (2) very good, (3) good, (4) fair and (5) poor with response fair or poor defining poor SRH. A total of 344 respondents with median age 63 years, (IQR: 55-72) were enrolled in the study. Women represented 57.6% of the sample. Overall prevalence of poor SRH was 56.4% (95%CI: 51.0-61.9) and was the highest among females (62.6% vs 47.9%; P=0.007) and participants >60 years (61.5% vs 51.1%; P=0.021). Female sex, aged ≥60 years, osteoarthritis, hospitalization within the 12 months preceding the survey, polypharmacy, and the use of herbal products were factors associated with poor SRH (P<0.05). More than half of community- dwelling older adults had poor SRH in Lomé. Further studies are needed to guide policymakers in their efforts to design and implement meaningful policies to improve older adults health conditions.

Self-perception of health and physical activity levels among the youth and adults before and amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Negative perceptions of the environment have been associated with poorer self-rated ( 32 ). In sub-Saharan Africa, studies on self-perception of health have been conducted, providing insights into health status among different ( 33 , 34 ). For example, a study in Togo found that self-rated health status was generally poor among older adults, particularly females, with factors such as osteoarthritis and polypharmacy being associated with poor health status ( 33 ).…”

“…In sub-Saharan Africa, studies on self-perception of health have been conducted, providing insights into health status among different ( 33 , 34 ). For example, a study in Togo found that self-rated health status was generally poor among older adults, particularly females, with factors such as osteoarthritis and polypharmacy being associated with poor health status ( 33 ). In Burkina Faso, the prevalence of self-rated poor health was lower, with associations found with age, marital status, and chronic diseases ( 34 ).…”