Characteristics of Elderly Suicides in Ghana

2018 ◽  
Vol 82 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-24
Author(s):  
Mensah Adinkrah
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Epidemiological Analysis ◽  
Design And Implementation ◽  
Marital Breakdown ◽  
Policies And Programs

A major gap in the extant research literature on suicide in Ghana is lack of a systematic study of patterns and trends in elderly suicides. To address the lack of scholarship on the topic, this exploratory, descriptive study presents the results of an epidemiological analysis of 40 media-reported suicides involving persons aged 60 years and older during the 2005–2016 period. Key findings are that the vast bulk of elderly persons who died by suicide were male, aged 60 to 65 years old, and of low income. The most common suicide methods were hanging and shooting with a firearm. Reasons for dying by suicide included lack of financial wherewithal, indebtedness, cuckoldry, sexual dysfunction, grief after the death of a spouse, and marital breakdown. A secondary aim of the research was to sensitize the Ghanaian public, medical services, and government about the extent, nature, and patterns of suicidal behavior in the elderly population. At present, many people in Ghana are not aware of elderly suicides as a social problem. For stakeholders, the findings of this study can assist in the design and implementation of policies and programs to alleviate the problem.

scholarly journals The inclusion of elderly persons from the Instituto Henrique da Silva Semente (IHESS) in Indaiatuba, São Paulo, in the digital age: physio-gerontological contributions

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 567-575 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eliana Carvalho ◽  
Rodrigo Caetano Arantes ◽  
Angélica Sartori Rossi Cintra
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Educational Activity ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
At Home

abstract Introduction: The evolution of information technologies has become part of our daily life and directly or indirectly affects the elderly population. The presence of these technologies, such as mobile phones, smartphones, computers, and tablets, at home where elderly persons live with their families demonstrates the necessity of including the elderly population in the technological universe. Objective: The aim of the present study was to describe the benefits obtained by the elderly from using such Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), the effect of such use on their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and which physio-gerontological contributions resulted in the best use of the ICTs. Method: A convenience sample (n=30) was performed of individuals aged over 60 years who were students at the Instituto Henrique da Silva Semente (IHESS). Demographic and social data, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) were considered. The data was collected between April and May 2014. Results: The average age was 67.9 years with a predominance of women (76.7%). Among the respondents 83.3% used a computer at home; 66.6% had some kind of difficulty in using computers; and 86.6% used ICTs in their daily lives. Despite the difficulties in using the devices resulting from the limitations imposed by age, it was observed that the equality of the age range encouraged interaction with friends and family, and as a result 100% of respondents displayed excellent interpersonal relationships with the class group. It was also observed that the elderly persons had a great desire to learn and interact through the use of technological devices, and that females were involved in recreational and educational activities, with wives encouraging their husbands to attend the computer class. However, there were exemplary risks of the misuse of these devices, such as poor posture when handling electronic devices or spending long spells in unsuitable positions, demonstrating the need for physical therapy and geriatric guidelines to ensure the well-being of the elderly. Conclusion: The inclusion of elderly persons in the IHESS or in any other educational activity should consider the familiar environment in which they live as well as providing professional support in physiotherapeutic and gerontologic areas in order to assure well-being and quality of life, especially at this stage of life, senescence.

scholarly journals Impact of cognitive performance on the functional capacity of an elderly population in Natal, Brazil

2008 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 809-813 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keithlen Cruz Moreira de Castro ◽  
Ricardo Oliveira Guerra
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Functional Capacity ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
State Examination

Functional incapacity and cognitive impairment are conditions related to the process of human aging. Cognitive impairment is considered an important predicitve factor for functional impairment in elderly populations. This cross-sectional study analyzes the association between cognitive performance and functional capacity in an elderly population sample in Natal, Brazil. A total of 213 elderly persons were assessed by the BOAS Multidimensional Questionnaire (Brazil Old Age Schedule) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The results of multivariate analysis and linear regression showed that age and schooling level are factors associated with cognitive performance in the elderly of this study. The final explicative model, elaborated by logistic regression, found that cognitive performance was the only predicitve variable of functional incapacity for the activities of daily living even when adjusted for sociodemographic variables.

scholarly journals Factors associated with temporomandibular dysfunction in the elderly: an integrative literature review

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrícia Fernanda Faccio ◽  
Maria Angélica Bezerra dos Santos ◽  
Taís Arcanjo Maropo da Silva ◽  
Eduarda Correia Moretti ◽  
Maria das Graças Wanderley de Sales Coriolano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Bias Analysis ◽  
Scientific Publications ◽  
Temporomandibular Dysfunction ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Newcastle Ottawa Scale

Abstract Objective: To identify the factors associated with temporomandibular dysfunction among elderly persons. Method: An integrative literature review was carried out, evaluated by scientific publications indexed in five databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE, CINAHL and LILACS, without date or language restrictions. The adapted Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the articles. Results: Of the 888 articles from the databases, four were considered eligible for this review. Risk of bias analysis classified one article as low risk and the other as intermediate risk. Conclusion: The factors associated with temporomandibular dysfunction in the elderly indicated by the studies were: female gender, age between 60-70 years, a low income, suffering from tinnitus, dizziness, depression, headache or bruxism; experience temporomandibular joint palpation, masticatory and cervical muscle pain, a low number of teeth and the use of complete dentures.

Incidence and relative risk of dementia in an urban elderly population: findings of a prospective field study

1994 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 179-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Horst Bickel ◽  
Brian Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Urban Elderly ◽  
Initial Examination ◽  
Community Residents ◽  
Survey Sample ◽  
Dementing Illness ◽  
Living Accommodation

SynopsisTo ascertain the frequency and distribution of new cases of dementing illness in the elderly population of Mannheim (population 308000), a survey sample of community residents of > 65 years of age was re-examined after an interval of 7–8 years, and a sample of elderly persons in long-stay care after 5–6 years. The estimated annual incidence rate for all forms of dementia, after correction for ageing of the samples, was 15·4 per 1000 persons aged > 65, made up of dementia of Alzheimer type (8·9 per 1000), vascular dementia (4·4 per 1000) and other forms (2·1 per 1000). Apart from the expected association with age > 65 years, the most powerful predictors of onset of a dementing illness were residence in long-stay care and the presence of minor cognitive deficits at the initial examination, each of which was associated with a highly significant increase in risk. In addition, a number of socio-demographic characteristics (marital status, occupational history and quality of present living accommodation) was found to be predictive, though analysis of larger samples or pooled research data would be necessary to establish their importance in this respect. The findings suggest that identification of mild cognitive impairment on screening could prove helpful in assessing risk for dementia from two to three years before the condition becomes clinically apparent.

Rural versus Urban Differences in Health Dependence among the Elderly Population

1989 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
John A. Krout
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Multiple Regression Analysis ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Central City ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Community Settings ◽  
Elderly Health

This article examines data on rural versus urban differences in health dependency for a random sample of 600 western New York elderly people residing in a range of community settings from farm areas to a metropolitan central city. Data were collected via personal interviews, and health dependency was operationalized as an index composed of nine criterion measures. The nonmetropolitan elderly population is found to be less health dependent as are elderly persons who are younger, white, married, and have higher incomes. However, the rural/urban variable is not a significant predictor of health dependency when included in a multiple-regression analysis. These findings do not support the rural elderly health disadvantage argument and serve to illustrate some of the shortcomings of existing research on this topic.

Prevalence of Anemia and its Correlates among Elderly population of an Urban Slum in Meerut

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ratandeep Lamba ◽  
Abhishek Agarwal ◽  
Ravi Rana ◽  
Vertika Agarwal
Keyword(s):  
Demographic Transition ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Urban Slum ◽  
Urban Slums ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Prevalence Of Anemia

Background: Anaemia is a major public health problem in elderly persons which is often overlooked. With rising urbanization and world is facing demographic transition, there is a need to increase focus on elderly residing in urban slums. Aim: The present study aims to find the prevalence of anaemia and its associated factors among the elderly population in an urban slum of Meerut. Methodology: The present study conducted in an urban slum of Meerut from November 2017 to January 2018. The sample size was calculated as 396, considering the prevalence of anaemia as 45.5% in this age group. Haemoglobin levels were estimated using paper chromatography methodby hemoc-heck rapid diagnostic kit. Data were compiled and analysed using epi info software version 3.7.2. Results: 49.5% of the elderly residing in urban slums were found to be anaemic. The anaemia in the elderly was found to be significantly associated with employment, socioeconomic status and chronic diseases like COPD, hypertension and Tuberculosis

Estimation of morbidity profile and outcomes of geriatric indoor patients in medicine wards of tertiary care center of Bundelkhand region - A retrospective study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 284-288
Author(s):  
Jyoti Tiwari ◽  
Sumit Rawat ◽  
Amit Jain ◽  
Diwashish Biswas
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Population ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Central India ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Total N ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Medical Disorders

The elderly population is increasing rapidly globally, and presently, India has the second largest number of elderly persons in the country. Estimates of health disorders of the elderly in developing countries are required to predict trends in disease burden and to plan better health care facilities for the elderly population in the society. To study the profile of medical disorders & outcomes in the elderly patients admitted in the medicine wards of Bundelkhand Govt. Medical College, Sagar, MP. Which is a rural Government medical college of central India. This is a retrospective, observational study design. The study conducted in the indoor patients of Bundelkhand Medical College & Hospital Sagar, MP in the span of 6 months starting from Feb 2019 to July 2019 & total of 970 patients, aged 60- 90yrs were enrolled. The data were obtained from MRD of BMC Sagar & by review of records, data were collected and statistically analysed. Our study has total (n=970), out of which (n=581, 59.9%) were males & (n=389, 41.1%) were females. Mean age of males- 67.6±7.53, Mean age of females-68.4±7.98. Highest patients were in the age group of 60-69yrs (n=590, 60.8%). Among system involvement, Respiratory system (27%), Cardiovascular system (22.3%), GIT (11.4%), Cerebrovascular (7.7%), Genitourinary (5.7%) , Endocrine (5.1%), Infections (4.7%) and cancers (4.1) .In our patients 75.1% were discharged, 7.2% cases of DOR , 6.2% patients were LAMA. Death was in 4.6% and 0.6% cases were referred to higher center. The study shows highest cases of COPD (15.2%) followed by CAD (13.1%), Pulmonary TB (7.6%), Cerebrovascular accidents (6.1%), Hypertension (6.0%), Diabetes mellitus (4.5%), UTI (4.1%) and cancers (4.1%) in the geriatric patients of our study.

Activities of Daily Living of the Elders — A Task Analytic Approach

1989 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 182-186
Author(s):  
Ruth Weber ◽  
Sara Czaja ◽  
Ram Bishu
Keyword(s):  
Daily Living ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Body Part ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Task Demands ◽  
Analytic Approach ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Human Capabilities ◽  
Human Factors Research ◽  
And Task

Human factors research, which focusses on matching human capabilities and limitations with different environmental and task demands, has been wanting in the areas of elderly population. The main objective of this research was to use a task analytic approach to identify the demand profiles for a list of daily activities of the elderly. 66 independently living elderly persons were videotaped performing 25 separate activities of daily. A computerized task analytic approach was used to analyze the activities. Tasks were described through a set of descriptors such as action (e.g., reposition), demand (e.g., carry), object (e.g., broom), body part (e.g., hand), posture (e.g., bend), location (e.g., wash room) and frequency. Crosstabulations were performed on the data to determine pattern of relationships amongst the various task descriptors, both within, and between activities. In terms of demands, few activities account for a large proportion. Lifting/lowering, push/pull appear to be the predominant actions. Relationship among task, posture, body part and demands were significant.

scholarly journals Heightened Willingness toward Pneumococcal Vaccination in the Elderly Population in Shenzhen, China: A Cross-Sectional Study during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 212
Author(s):  
Minyi Zhang ◽  
Hongbiao Chen ◽  
Fei Wu ◽  
Qiushuang Li ◽  
Qihui Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influencing Factors ◽  
Pneumococcal Vaccine ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Pneumococcal Vaccination ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Elderly population is considered at high risk for pneumococcal diseases. The pneumococcal vaccine coverage presents extremely low among elderly people in China. However, the serious event of COVID-19 drives interest in the pneumococcal vaccine, prompting us investigating the willingness to accept the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) and influencing factors among people aged over 60 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was employed using a self-administered questionnaire in Shenzhen City of China, elaborating the willingness toward PPSV23 in the elderly persons. Binomial logistic analyses were performed to estimate the influencing factors using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Among 15,066 respondents, 91.5% presented a positive attitude toward PPSV23. Logistic analyses suggested the influencing factors included knowledge about pneumonia (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.391, 95%CI 1.214–1.593), perception of the seriousness of pneumonia (aOR 1.437, 95%CI 1.230–1.680) and preventing way for pneumonia (aOR 1.639, 95%CI 1.440–1.865), worried about getting pneumonia (aOR 2.751, 95%CI 2.444–3.096), understanding vaccine policy (aOR 1.774, 95%CI 1.514–2.079), and influenza vaccine (aOR 3.516 and 95%CI 2.261–5.468) and PPSV23 histories (aOR 3.199, 95%CI 1.492–6.860). Conclusions: The interest surge in pneumococcal vaccine coincided with the COVID-19 outbreak, foreshadowing higher demand for pneumococcal vaccine in the near future.

scholarly journals ORTHOPEDIC INJURIES AMONG ELDERLY PERSONS

2011 ◽  
Vol 18 (04) ◽  
pp. 615-620
Author(s):  
MUHAMMAD RAZZAQ MALIK ◽  
MUHAMMAD AZEEM ◽  
MUHAMMAD ZAFAR IQBAL
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Medical College Hospital ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Functional Impairments ◽  
College Hospital ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Orthopedic Department ◽  
Orthopedic Injuries

Background: Pakistan is experiencing a rise in its elderly population leading to increase burden of orthopedic injuries. With meager resources and a poor understanding of elderly health problems; Pakistan faces many challenges in caring for its elderly population. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to, “Assess the frequency of orthopedic injuries among elderly persons and the associated risk factors at Sheikh Zayed Medical College/ Hospital Rahim Yar Khan”. Study design and duration: This was an analytical observational study conducted among the elderly patients above the age of 60 years, admitted in the Orthopedic Department of Sheikh Zayed Medical College/ Hospital Rahim Yar Khan. Methodology: The data was collected regarding the frequency, causes and pattern of orthopedic injuries in elderly patients admitted in the Orthopedic Department of Sheikh Zayed Hospital / Medical College Rahim Yar Khan. The data regarding age, sex, education, occupation, geographical origin, and mechanism of injury were obtained by questionnaire. The data was analyzed on SPSS version 16. Results: There were total 1589 patients admitted in the Orthopedic Unit during the study period. The elderly persons above the age of 60 years were 291(18.31%). There were 184(63.24%) males and 107(36.76%) females. The average age was 64.52 years in urban residents and 66.34 years in rural residents’ patients. Among the frequency of injuries, the femoral neck and inter-trochanter region were most commonly involved. The proportion of injuries in males it was 44.02% and in females it was higher that was 49.53%. The majority (68.29%) of the elderly persons was dependent and was not satisfied with socio-economic condition and status in the family (p < 0.000). Conclusions: Elderly patients who have experienced trauma are at increased risk of subsequent injury. Interventions to reduce the likelihood of trauma recurrence should focus on those with chronic illnesses and functional impairments.

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