Research Article
Healthcare Access Patterns and Challenges Among the Elderly in Edo State, Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Mixed-methods Study
Godswill Omijie*
,
Cyril Adams Oshiomhole,
Lauretta Iruobe,
Edwin Ighodaro Aigbogun,
Maryjane Timothy Ugiesomhe,
Emmanuel Aiyegbeni,
Ehigiator Clement Idiagbonya,
Odion Paulina Ototobor,
Osemwegie Vincent Omorodion,
Erhahon Isimamwen,
Esther Omigie,
Racheal Etuwe Ugbodaga,
Oritsemisan Blessing Jiringho,
Mary Osuare Oboigbe,
Angela Levi Kangla
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, June 2026
Pages:
1-11
Received:
19 December 2025
Accepted:
31 December 2025
Published:
11 February 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijgege.20260101.11
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Abstract: The global increase in life expectancy has increased among the elderly population, creating challenges for healthcare systems in developing countries like Nigeria. In Edo State, accessing healthcare services among elderly population remains limited. Understanding healthcare access patterns and challenges among the elderly is crucial for developing targeted interventions that promote healthy ageing in line with the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030). To determine elderly access to healthcare services, a cross-sectional, mixed-methods study sampled elderly individuals of the ages of 60 years and above across primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare facilities in Edo State using multistage cluster sampling. Quantitative data were extracted from outpatient registers, capturing demographics, complaints, diagnoses, and outcomes. Qualitative interviews with healthcare workers provided additional insights. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation tests, and thematic analysis. The data showed that elderly patients constituted 9.82% of outpatient visits, mostly female (52%) with an average age of 70 years. Tertiary (42%) and secondary facilities (40%) were preferred over primary healthcare centres-PHC (19%). Common complaints included body pain, weakness, and malaria-related symptoms, with a moderate positive correlation between number of complaints and diagnoses (r = 0.353, p < 0.01). Barriers identified qualitatively included limited geriatric services, poor data disaggregation, rural access challenges and lack of infrastructure at the PHC. Further findings revealed gender and age disparities in elderly healthcare utilization, preference for higher-tier facilities, and systemic barriers limiting care at primary levels. Strengthening age-sensitive healthcare systems, improving data practices, establish geriatric units, training more healthcare workers on elderly care, age-disaggregated data systems, strengthening rural primary healthcare, expanding subsidized health insurance for the elderly, and implementing mobile clinics and transportation support for the elderly. These are needed to address elderly healthcare needs in Edo State, Nigeria.
Abstract: The global increase in life expectancy has increased among the elderly population, creating challenges for healthcare systems in developing countries like Nigeria. In Edo State, accessing healthcare services among elderly population remains limited. Understanding healthcare access patterns and challenges among the elderly is crucial for developing ...
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