Determinants of Increase Burden of Noncommunicable Diseases, Morbidity and Mortality Rate among Retirees in Makurdi Benue State, Nigeria

Background: Retirees like every other person in the aging population are vulnerable to develop one form of non-communicable disease (NCDs) or the other. This study aimed to determine the factors perpetuating increase burden of (NCDs), morbidity and mortality rate among the retirees in Makurdi, Benue State. Method: The descriptive/cross-sectional research design was used for the study. Data was collected from retirees invited to attend a medical outreach held on the World Hypertension Day. A total of 118 retirees made up of 93(78.8%) males and 29(21.2%) females’ age 60-89-years old were participants who consented on request to provide the necessary information. Results: The findings showed retirees have knowledge of family history of NCDs, 42(36.6%), overweight 19(16.1%), and obesity 13(11%) based on their being informed by medical doctors. Lifestyle of smoking of tobacco 14(11.9%), excessive alcohol uses 55(46.6%), inappropriate diet 79(66.9%), family dysfunction/disconnectedness 31(26.5%), nonpayment of retirees’ emoluments 61(51.7%), high cost of drugs 69(58.5%) and lack of social support 70(59.3%) are contributing to perpetuate increasing burden of NCDs. morbidity and mortality rate of the retirees Conclusion: NCDs like diabetes and hypertension are common illness found among people but they can be effectively treated. However, retirees are constantly facing difficulties in the management of these diseases. Thus, government should make efforts subsidize the cost of drugs and as well prioritize the regular payment of retirement’s benefits and salaries to this segment of the aging population to help them meet their healthcare needs and reduce the prevailing morbidity and mortality rate from NCDs.