Alcohol use among elderly primary care attendees in North Central Nigeria

Given the growing global population of elderly individuals and the potential increase in alcohol-related issues among this group, it is essential to explore the factors that influence alcohol consumption in older adults. A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in 3 primary health care centres in Ilorin, Northcentral Nigeria, involving consenting patients aged 60 years and above. Each participant completed a proforma designed by the researchers which had sections on socio-demographic variables and alcohol use. The Geriatric Depression Scale (short form) was used thereafter with a cut-off score of ≥ 6 to screen for a presence of depression. A total of 463 elderly patients participated in the study. Alcohol use was statistically significantly higher among males (x = 44.483, p<0.001), those who are married (x = 7.300, p <0.007) and elderly Christians (x = 7.121, p<0.008). The trend though not statistically significant was that those who lived alone, and those who felt lonely were more likely to use alcohol (x = 1.579, p< 0.209 and x = 0.094, p < 0.759 respectively). Probable depression was however not found to be statistically associated with alcohol use (x = 0.025, P < 0.874). There should be an increased index of suspicion by the primary care physicians to identify elderly patients who are at risk of engaging in alcohol use. This will assist in instituting early intervention programmes aimed at preventing alcohol related problems.