Ogunniyi A, Baiyewu O, Gureje O, Hall KS, Unverzagt FW, Oluwole SA, Farlow MI, Komolafe, Hendrie HC. Morbidity pattern in a sample of
elderly Nigerians resident in Idikan community, Ibadan. West Afr J Med 2001;20(4):227-31.
We documented the pattern of medical illnesses in 613 elderly Nigerians (398 females and 215 males) resident in Idikan
community in Ibadan city. Their ages ranged from 65 to 110 years with a mean of 76.2 years. Medical disorders diagnosed
either singly or in combinations were diagnosed in 364 (59.4%) subjects and there was no gender association. Cardiovascular
problems were the commonest and high blood pressure (27.8%) was the most frequent diagnosis. Only 5 of the hypertensive subjects
were aware of that diagnosis and were on regular medications. The complications presented with included heart failure and stroke.
Visual impairment (12.1%) mainly due to cataracts and osteoarthritis (6.7%) in that order were next in frequency. The most frequent
neurological disorders were hearing impairment and movement disorders. The other conditions encountered were similar to the findings
in previous studies in this environment, and the usual findings in studies focusing on this age-group in other countries. The
presence of morbidity was significantly associated with increasing age and poor performance on screening. The latter increased the
probability of being selected for clinical examination with detection of medical problems or could suggest associated cognitive
impairment. The prevalence of systemic hypertension was not different from findings in other communities in people of similar
age groups. This study emphasises the role of hypertension as a major cause of morbidity in this community and stresses the need
for increased health awareness especially with regards to regular checking of blood pressure so as to avoid complications.
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