Determinants of Psychiatric Disorders among Residents of an Old Peoples’ Home in Southwestern Nigeria

Background: There are many challenges facing old people’s home care services in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, with rates of functional impairment in older populations exceeding those in other parts of the globe. The prevalence of mental illness especially among the elderly has been projected to increase significantly in the years ahead. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with psychiatry disorders among inmates of old people home in Nigeria.

Methods: This study was a cross-sectional design conducted among eighty-five respondents from inmates of old people’s homes, in Yaba, Lagos, selected using a purposive non-probability sampling technique. The instruments used include Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV and SCID-II Sociodemographic data were obtained via questionnaire and participation was by informed consent.

Results: Of the total respondents, 38.8% were between the age category of 75-84 years. Only 2(2.4%) still had a spouse, 23(27.1%) were divorced and 58(68.2%) were widowers. Also, only 18(21.2%) had a personal source of income while most 76(89.4%) depend on financial support with the majority 36(42.4%) mainly from family and voluntary donations. It was observed that 75.3% had psychiatric morbidity among which 48.2% had Dementia, 16.5% had Schizophrenia and only 10.6% were diagnosed with Depression.

Conclusion: This study lends credence to the fact that aging brings with it certain health challenges that may affect their well-being, especially in developing countries where socioeconomic ado poses significant setbacks in the care of the elderly. In view of the challenges identified among the residents of the old people’s home in Yaba; it is pertinent that efforts must be geared towards the establishment of qualitative medical facilities, especially for those with recognized physical or mental health challenges and poor socioeconomic status to cushion the effect of Mental illness.