CAUSES AND MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE (CLD) AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN SAPELE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF DELTA STATE

This study determined the causes and management of chronic liver disease among older adults in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State. Three research questions were raised and answered respectively. The design of the study was a descriptive survey design. The population for this study consisted of 5,263 older adults within the LGA. A sample size of 150 older adults was used for this study. The older adults were selected through multi-stage sampling technique. Data was collected using a questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.70. Data collected were analysed using mean score. The findings indicated that respondents had fairly high awareness of the causes of chronic liver disease, identifying hepatitis B and C infections, alcohol misuse, poor diet, and obesity as major factors; They also recognized its effects, including fatigue, jaundice, abdominal swelling, weight loss, poor appetite, and emotional distress; Respondents adopted various management strategies such as taking prescribed medications, attending regular hospital check-ups, reducing alcohol and smoking, eating healthy meals, and relying on family support. It was recommended among others that increase awareness and education: local health authorities should initiate public health campaigns to teach older adults and their caregivers about the causes, symptoms, and management of CLD.