Alcohol Use Among Elderly Primary Care Attendees in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Given the growing global population of elderly individuals and the potential increase in alcohol-related issues among this group, it is essential to explore the factors that influence alcohol consumption in older adults A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 3 primary health care centres in Ilorin, North central Nigeria, involving consenting patients aged 60 years and above. Each participant completed a proforma designed by the researchers which had sections on socio-demographic variables and alcohol use. The Geriatric Depression Scale (short form) was used thereafter with a cut-off score of ≥ 6 to screen for a presence of depression.

A total of 463 elderly patients participated in the study. Alcohol use was statistically significantly higher among males (x= 44.483, p<0.001), those who are married (x= 7.300, p <0.007) and elderly Christians (x= 7.121, p<0.008). The trend though not statistically significant was that those who lived alone, and those who felt lonely were more likely to use alcohol (x=1.579, p< 0.209 and x= 0.094, p < 0.759 respectively). Probable depression was however not found to be statistically associated with alcohol use (x= 0.025, P <0.874).

There should be an increased index of suspicion by the primary care physicians to identify those at risk. This will assist in instituting early intervention programmes aimed at preventing alcohol-related problems.