Self-reported prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases and associated factors among older adults in South Africa

Abstract

IntroductionLittle is known about the prevalence and predictors of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) of older adults in South Africa. This study aims to investigate the self-reported prevalences of major chronic NCDs and their predictors among older South Africans.MethodsWe conducted a national population-based cross-sectional survey with a sample of 3,840 individuals aged 50 years or above in South Africa in 2008. The outcome variable was the self-reported presence of chronic NCDs suffered, namely, arthritis, stroke, angina, diabetes, chronic lung disease, asthma, depression, and hypertension. The exposure variables were sociodemographic characteristics: age, gender, education, wealth status, race, marital status, and residence. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine sociodemographic factors predictive of the presence of chronic NCDs.ResultsThe prevalence of chronic NCDs was 51.8%. The prevalence of multimorbidity (≥2 chronic conditions) was 22.5%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that being female, being in age groups 60–79 and 70–79, being Coloured or Asian, having no schooling, having greater wealth, and residing in an urban area were associated with the presence of NCDs.ConclusionThe rising burden of chronic NCDs affecting older people places a heavy burden on the healthcare system as a result of increased demand and access to healthcare services. Concerted effort is needed to develop strategies for the prevention and management of NCDs, especially among economically disadvantaged individuals who need these services the most.

Prevalência de diabetes mellitus e fatores associados na população adulta brasileira: evidências de um inquérito de base populacional

“…Such association had already been verified previously, in Brazil and other countries 13,19,20 . The prevalence of diabetes found in a Brazilian region marked by low income and low levels of education Rev BRas epidemiol JaN-maR 2017; 20 (1): [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29] demonstrated to be much higher than among adults in other regions 12 . Education level demonstrated to be an important socioeconomic indicator, as it is considered a proxy of the social position of an individual.…”

Functional disability and morbidities among the elderly people, according to socio-demographic conditions and indicative of depression

“…12 Thus, the results obtained in this research reinforce the health professional´s need to track the indicative of depression and take the necessary actions, such as diagnostic confirmation and therapeutic establishment.…”

“…9 Also, the literature has described that some socioeconomic conditions such as female, older and lower income are related to the greater number of morbidities. 11,12 Brazilian research has shown that the low socioeconomic and cultural level are related to the development of chronic diseases. 13 In an international study the female, with advanced age, worse self-perception of health and inability to access to medical care.…”

“…Different from the results of this study, a survey carried out by the FIBRA Network did not observe differences between the age groups with the number of diseases, 11 and a study carried out in South Africa showed that the greatest number of morbidities prevailed in the age group of 60-70 years old. 12 The association of low income with the greater number of morbidities was also verified in a survey conducted by the FIBRA Network. 11 …”

“…12 In this context, it is relevant that the nursing develops educational and preventive strategies especially focused on women. Considering their greater longevity and comorbidities, it is believed that the monitoring of their health conditions can minimize the impact on their functionality.…”