Double Burden of Living Alone and in Poor Socioeconomic Conditions among Urban-Dwelling Older Nigerians: A Multilevel Analysis

Jacob W. Mobolaji, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife

Living alone is associated with loneliness, depression and cardiovascular diseases. Living alone and in poor socioeconomic conditions (LAPSC) poses a greater risk of psychosocial health challenges, morbidity and mortality for older persons. The burden of this dyad on population health will likely increase in Nigeria considering the rising migration trend, changing family settings, and economic crisis affecting the country's household living arrangements and living standards. This study investigates the prevalence and determinants of LAPSC among urban-dwelling older Nigerians. Exploring these is relevant to achieving sustainable development goals of eradicating poverty (SDG 1) and promoting healthy life (SDG 3). The study analyzed 5,225 weighted samples of older persons aged =60 from Nigeria’s Demographic and Health Survey, 2018. Associations were examined using the multilevel multinomial logistic regression model. From the results, 11.5% live alone, of which 55.4% live in poor conditions. The risk of LAPSC was 86% higher (RRR=1.86;p<0.001;95% C.I=1.38-2.50) for women, but 61-90% lower for primary/secondary (RRR=0.39;p<0.001;95% C.I=0.28-0.54) and tertiary education, North-East, North-West and South-Eastern Nigeria, and in low-poverty communities. The individual- and community-level factors accounted for 42% and 69% of the variations in LAPSC, respectively. This study recommends gender-specific and community-based social services and inclusion programs for older persons' well-being.

Keywords: Older Adults and Intergenerational Relations, Multi-level modeling , Neighbourhood/contextual effect analysis, Families, Unions and Households

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