Factors associated with dual sensory impairment in older persons attending the Geriatric Centre in Southwest Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the prevalence of hearing impairment, visual impairment and Dual Sensory Impairment (DSI) and the risk factors among older persons.

DESIGN

A Cross-sectional study where respondents were recruited by systematic random sampling.

SETTING

A tertiary institution at the Geriatric Centre, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 388 older persons aged more than 60 years were recruited.

INTERVENTIONS: A semi-structured pretested questionnaire was used over three months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Association between ageing, low income, poor quality of life, functional disability, and dual sensory impairment.

RESULTS

The mean age of the respondents was 70.2±6.3 years. The point prevalence of HI, VI and DSI were 14.9%, 8.0%, and 1.5% respectively. On logistic regression analysis, the most significant factors associated with HI were having no formal education OR=2.564(1.091-6.024) and previous hospital admission OR=3.473(1.856-6.499), for VI; increasing age OR=1.080(1.022-1.141) and poor income OR=2.941(1.263-6.897) and DSI; increasing age OR=1.224(1.054-1.421).

CONCLUSION

Few (1.5%) older adults experienced DSI in our setting. The association between sensory impairments, age, and socioeconomic factors of poor education and income suggests the need for visual and hearing screening in older adults, particularly those with medical and socioeconomic issues, for early detection.

FUNDING: None declared.