Socio-cultural factors that influence attitude towards care for older adults in Ohafia Local Government Area, Abia state

Abstract

As adults grow older, they often become more dependent on others, such as family members, neighbors, and significant others, for their activities of daily living (ADLs). The effects of neglect, poverty, and lack of care are detrimental to their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Older adults are particularly vulnerable since many are no longer in their economically active phase of life, and in the absence of a national social security system, they face additional challenges. This study investigates the socio-cultural factors influencing attitudes towards caregiving for older adults in Ohafia Local Government Area (LGA), Abia State, Nigeria. A survey was conducted with 204 respondents, and quantitative data were collected through questionnaires. The results showed that 82.6% of respondents were aware of caregiving for older adults, implying that the concept is well-recognized in the community. Financial constraints were identified as a significant challenge, with 64.4% of respondents indicating that caregiving becomes very difficult without sufficient funds. Additionally, 37.6% of respondents believed that female older adults were more prone to abuse and neglect than their male counterparts, and 39.1% indicated that elder abuse most frequently occurs between older adults and their children, especially when the older adults are financially dependent. The study highlights the importance of addressing socio-cultural factors such as financial support and the vulnerability of older women to abuse. The findings suggest the need for government policies to promote elder care, create awareness about the effects of neglect, and improve social security provisions for older adults. These measures are crucial to ensure better caregiving practices and the well-being of older adults in Nigeria.