Research Article
Healthcare Access Patterns and Challenges Among the Elderly in Edo State, Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Mixed-methods Study
Godswill Omijie*
,
Cyril Adams Oshiomhole,
Lauretta Iruobe,
Edwin Ighodaro Aigbogun,
Maryjane Timothy Ugiesomhe,
Emmanuel Aiyegbeni,
Ehigiator Clement Idiagbonya,
Odion Paulina Ototobor,
Osemwegie Vincent Omorodion,
Erhahon Isimamwen,
Esther Omigie,
Racheal Etuwe Ugbodaga,
Oritsemisan Blessing Jiringho,
Mary Osuare Oboigbe,
Angela Levi Kangla
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, June 2026
Pages:
1-11
Received:
19 December 2025
Accepted:
31 December 2025
Published:
11 February 2026
Abstract: The global increase in life expectancy has increased among the elderly population, creating challenges for healthcare systems in developing countries like Nigeria. In Edo State, accessing healthcare services among elderly population remains limited. Understanding healthcare access patterns and challenges among the elderly is crucial for developing targeted interventions that promote healthy ageing in line with the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030). To determine elderly access to healthcare services, a cross-sectional, mixed-methods study sampled elderly individuals of the ages of 60 years and above across primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare facilities in Edo State using multistage cluster sampling. Quantitative data were extracted from outpatient registers, capturing demographics, complaints, diagnoses, and outcomes. Qualitative interviews with healthcare workers provided additional insights. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation tests, and thematic analysis. The data showed that elderly patients constituted 9.82% of outpatient visits, mostly female (52%) with an average age of 70 years. Tertiary (42%) and secondary facilities (40%) were preferred over primary healthcare centres-PHC (19%). Common complaints included body pain, weakness, and malaria-related symptoms, with a moderate positive correlation between number of complaints and diagnoses (r = 0.353, p < 0.01). Barriers identified qualitatively included limited geriatric services, poor data disaggregation, rural access challenges and lack of infrastructure at the PHC. Further findings revealed gender and age disparities in elderly healthcare utilization, preference for higher-tier facilities, and systemic barriers limiting care at primary levels. Strengthening age-sensitive healthcare systems, improving data practices, establish geriatric units, training more healthcare workers on elderly care, age-disaggregated data systems, strengthening rural primary healthcare, expanding subsidized health insurance for the elderly, and implementing mobile clinics and transportation support for the elderly. These are needed to address elderly healthcare needs in Edo State, Nigeria.
Abstract: The global increase in life expectancy has increased among the elderly population, creating challenges for healthcare systems in developing countries like Nigeria. In Edo State, accessing healthcare services among elderly population remains limited. Understanding healthcare access patterns and challenges among the elderly is crucial for developing ...
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Research Article
Perceived Geriatric Care Gaps and Treatment Inefficiency in a Tertiary Hospital in Albania: A Mixed-Methods Study
Gentian Stroni*,
Rexhina Bici
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, June 2026
Pages:
12-24
Received:
16 March 2026
Accepted:
26 March 2026
Published:
14 April 2026
Abstract: Background: Population ageing is accelerating in Albania, yet hospital care remains largely oriented toward acute, disease-specific models. Evidence on hospital-based geriatric care capacity and workforce experience in Albania is limited. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods descriptive cross-sectional study at the University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa” in Tirana. Healthcare professionals involved in the care of older adults completed a structured questionnaire assessing geriatric infrastructure, training, workload, stress, family involvement, and perceived treatment inefficiency. Ordinal logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with perceived inefficiency. Semi-structured interviews explored institutional and experiential barriers. Results: A total of 103 healthcare professionals participated (response rate 85.1%). All respondents reported the absence of a dedicated geriatric ward and geriatrics specialist coverage. Infrastructure and equipment for geriatric care were predominantly rated as low to moderate, while perceived need for specialized geriatric services and staff training was high. Family members were frequently relied upon for medical history collection, and this reliance varied significantly by how problematic family presence was perceived (p = 0.03). In multivariable analysis, higher stress related to geriatric care was independently associated with higher perceived treatment inefficiency (OR ≈ 2.0 per unit increase, p < 0.001), while specialty-related variation remained significant. Conclusions: Hospital geriatric care in Albania is characterized by structural gaps, limited training, and high reliance on informal adaptations, with staff stress strongly associated with perceived inefficiency. These findings highlight the need for structured, age-friendly inpatient models and workforce support to improve care delivery for older adults.
Abstract: Background: Population ageing is accelerating in Albania, yet hospital care remains largely oriented toward acute, disease-specific models. Evidence on hospital-based geriatric care capacity and workforce experience in Albania is limited. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods descriptive cross-sectional study at the University Hospital Center “Moth...
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Review Article
Prognostic Factors Associated with Functional Decline Among Long-Term Care Residents: A Systematic Review
Erastus Kihali,
Thomas Afriyie*
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, June 2026
Pages:
25-34
Received:
12 April 2026
Accepted:
21 April 2026
Published:
11 May 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijgege.20260101.13
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Abstract: Functional decline is common among LTC patients and is linked to poor outcomes, such as higher levels of dependency, hospitalizations, and death. Early phase after admission into facilities can be considered a crucial time frame when residents might have a rapid deterioration. Nevertheless, there is limited knowledge regarding predictors of early functional decline among LTC patients. Main objective of this research is to systematically identify and synthesize prognostic factors associated with early functional decline among long-term care residents. A systematic review was carried out based on PRISMA guidelines. The search strategy involved the use of electronic databases such as PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Studies involving predictors of functional impairment among nursing home residents were included in the review. Extraction and assessment of study data were done using standardized instruments. Heterogeneity across studies led to a narrative synthesis. A total of seven studies with more than 400,000 LTC facility residents were considered. Functional decline was mainly measured using ADL-based measures. Cognitive impairment and preexisting functional state proved to be the most robust and significant predictors of functional decline. Other risk factors like urinary incontinence, co-morbidities, and impaired balance were found to increase the risk. Depression and medication usage showed inconclusive evidence. Geriatrician presence at facilities and disruption at the systems level, like the coronavirus pandemic, decreased and increased functional decline, respectively. The occurrence of functional decline in LTC facilities is complex and results from the interaction between vulnerability and the environment. Early detection of at-risk patients through a thorough assessment can help implement appropriate strategies. There is a need for more studies to validate outcome criteria and modifiable predictors.
Abstract: Functional decline is common among LTC patients and is linked to poor outcomes, such as higher levels of dependency, hospitalizations, and death. Early phase after admission into facilities can be considered a crucial time frame when residents might have a rapid deterioration. Nevertheless, there is limited knowledge regarding predictors of early f...
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