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Attitude to aging among different groups in Nigeria
O Baiyewu1, A F Bella, J D Adeyemi
1College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
International Journal of Aging & Human Development
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Attitudes toward aging in Nigeria reveal that caregivers have the most positive views, while hospital workers have the least. Education negatively impacts these attitudes, highlighting a need for elder support.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- Understanding societal attitudes towards aging is crucial for developing effective elder care policies.
- In Nigeria, the elderly are traditionally valued, but societal changes may impact their care and well-being.
- Limited research exists on the specific attitudes of different groups towards the aged within Nigeria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey and compare attitudes towards aging and the aged among three distinct Nigerian population groups.
- To identify factors influencing these attitudes, including education and caregiving roles.
- To inform policy development regarding public assistance for the elderly and their families in Nigeria.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted using an eleven-item questionnaire.
- Three groups were surveyed: in-home caregivers for the elderly, hospital workers, and the general public in Nigeria.
- Attitudinal scores were analyzed to compare the groups.
Main Results:
- Caregivers exhibited the most positive attitudes towards the aged.
- Hospital workers displayed the least positive attitudes.
- Increased years of education correlated with a negative effect on attitudes towards aging.
Conclusions:
- While the elderly remain valued in Nigerian society, caregivers may experience stress and require support.
- The findings underscore the need for developing countries, such as Nigeria, to proactively plan public assistance programs for the elderly and their families.
- Interventions may be necessary to improve attitudes among healthcare professionals towards the aged.