Overview of Health Status of Older People in El Gadarif locality-Gadarif state- Eastern of Sudan 2014

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Geriatric population in Sudan is relatively small. Yet it is important to

improve health care quality of elderly population. However, lack of in-depth research

on this subject is a major obstacle for understanding and improving geriatric health

quality and services. This study attempted to bridge this information gap about health

status of older people in El Gadarif locality.

Methodology: This research was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Data was

collected by cluster random sample survey covering 388 participants. SPSS was used

for statistical analysis, and chi- square was used for testing association between

different variables.

Results: The main findings of the elderly survey showed that49.5% of participants

their age (65-74), 52.3% are male, 58.5% were married,50.5%

illiterate,60.6%dependse in their income on their sons,96.9% had social interaction

with family and community,85% described their health to be good or fair, 67.78%

were suffering from one or more chronic diseases, 48.8% had no problem with their

vision 82.7% had no problem with their hearing ,72.4% did not have urine

incontinence,88.1% could control their bowel, 55.4% had no depression,55.9% had no

memory problem, 66.1% were sexually active, 60.3% did not use any type of

medical treatment, 70.1% had always someone helping them at home, 80.9% always

practiced their worship, 92.5% never smoked ,88.7% never drank alcohols,96.9%

never take snuff, 20.6% practice exercise sport, 30.2% had special diet, 91% did not

require assistance in eating or dressing or bathing, 46.4% did their shopping without

assistance,75% took their medications by themselves , 23.5% had unattainable needs.

Conclusion: health problems of Gadarif elder persons are similar in some aspects to

the health problems of old population in some others countries. It was also apparent

that the geriatric population in El Gadarif were mainly cared for and supported by

their families.