Geriatric Social Care in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital at Uyo: A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

Background: Elderly medical care draws from virtually all areas of medicine and surgery, while geriatric social care (GSC) addresses the broader social, psychological, public health and policy needs associated with ageing. Effective GSC is therefore important for promoting healthy ageing, maintaining functional independence and improving the quality of life of older adults. This study aimed to examine the knowledge, perceptions, and barriers, and collate recommendations of healthcare professionals at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH)
and as well, explore the experiences and perspectives of elderly patients attending the Elderly and Chronic Care clinic of UUTH, with a view to identifying gaps, and opportunities for strengthening geriatric social care services.
Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted among 325 consenting participants, comprising 270 healthcare professionals and 55 elderly participants. The quantitative component employed a cross-sectional design, while the qualitative component involved Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with elderly patients attending the Elderly and Chronic Care Clinic. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and an FGD guide. The questionnaire underwent test-retest reliability assessment, with a reliability coefficient of 0.8. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests with SPSS version 25. Statistical significance was set at p≤0.05. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Ethical approval was obtained from the UUTH Health
Research Ethics Committee (NHREC/24/0622/UUTH).
Results: There was no statistically significant association between healthcare professionals' age, gender, professional role or years of professional experience and their knowledge and perception of GSC (χ²=3.911, p=.418; χ²=0.211, p=.646; χ²=8.047, p=.090; and χ²=6.153, p=.188, respectively). Major barriers identified by healthcare professionals included inadequate resources, limited awareness and insufficient training in geriatric social care. Findings from the FGDs showed that the elderly recognized the importance of social care but had varying levels of awareness, understanding and utilization of available services. Financial constraints, transportation difficulties, inadequate personnel and limited access to specialized geriatric services were major challenges.
Conclusion: Strengthening geriatric social care requires greater public awareness, workforce development, improved healthcare infrastructure, affordable or subsidized healthcare services, and stronger government commitment to programs for older adults.