Open Access
American Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences
ISSN (Online): 2378-7031
DOI: 10.46568/arjhss
Self Perception of Health and Health Promoting Activities Among the Elderly
Department of Behavioral Studies
Redeemer’s University, Ede,Osun State. Nigeria.
Redeemer’s University, Ede,Osun State. Nigeria.
Abstract
Self-perceived health status is the interpretation that individuals make of their health status and
daily life experiences, and this could be linked to as the social, cultural, and historical context in which
individuals live. Therefore, identifying the determining factors involved in self perceived health status is
essential to understand behaviour and how to assess individual needs. However; most of these studies were
confined to Western populations; moreover the possible effect of age on health cannot be over-emphasized;
hence the need for a study of this nature.
Questionnaire was utilized to elicit information among 200 respondents on the areas of interest and the study was conducted in Somolu Local Government Area, Lagos State. Data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) and the hypotheses were tested using the chi-square (X2) and pearson correlation statistical analysis test
Only 26% of the respondents perceive there health as excellent; indicating a need to pay attention to he health of the elderly in the country. Findings reveal relationships between some demographic variables like income, gender, literacy level and self perception of health among the elderly.
There is also a relationship between health promoting activities and hospitalization among the elderly. Health care providers need to be more compassionate and caring to the needs of the elderly; it is also recommended that elderly persons should be provided with free health services that would make health delivery and health care services at little or no cost.
Questionnaire was utilized to elicit information among 200 respondents on the areas of interest and the study was conducted in Somolu Local Government Area, Lagos State. Data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) and the hypotheses were tested using the chi-square (X2) and pearson correlation statistical analysis test
Only 26% of the respondents perceive there health as excellent; indicating a need to pay attention to he health of the elderly in the country. Findings reveal relationships between some demographic variables like income, gender, literacy level and self perception of health among the elderly.
There is also a relationship between health promoting activities and hospitalization among the elderly. Health care providers need to be more compassionate and caring to the needs of the elderly; it is also recommended that elderly persons should be provided with free health services that would make health delivery and health care services at little or no cost.
