Self-reported prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases and associated factors among older adults in South Africa.
BACKGROUND
Little is known about the prevalence and predictors of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) of older adults in South Africa. This study aims to investigate the self-reported prevalences of major chronic NCDs and their predictors among older South Africans.


METHODS
We conducted a national population-based cross-sectional survey with a sample of 3,840 individuals aged 50 years or above in South Africa in 2008. The outcome variable was the self-reported presence of chronic NCDs suffered, namely, arthritis, stroke, angina, diabetes, chronic lung disease, asthma, depression, and hypertension. The exposure variables were sociodemographic characteristics: age, gender, education, wealth status, race, marital status, and residence. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine sociodemographic factors predictive of the presence of chronic NCDs.


RESULTS
The prevalence of chronic NCDs was 51.8%. The prevalence of multimorbidity (≥2 chronic conditions) was 22.5%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that being female, being in age groups 60-79 and 70-79, being Coloured or Asian, having no schooling, having greater wealth, and residing in an urban area were associated with the presence of NCDs.


CONCLUSIONS
The rising burden of chronic NCDs affecting older people places a heavy burden on the healthcare system as a result of increased demand and access to healthcare services. Concerted effort is needed to develop strategies for the prevention and management of NCDs, especially among economically disadvantaged individuals who need these services the most.
HIV/AIDS/STI/and TB (HAST), Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa; Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research and Engagement, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; nphaswanamafuya@hsrc.ac.za.
Nancy
N
Phaswana-Mafuya
Karl
K
Peltzer
Witness
W
Chirinda
Alfred
A
Musekiwa
Zamakayise
Z
Kose
Ebrahim
E
Hoosain
Adlai
A
Davids
Shandir
S
Ramlagan
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000453:epidemiology; D001168:Arthritis / Q000453:epidemiology; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012306:Risk; D057566:Self Report; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D020521:Stroke / Q000453:epidemiology
South Africa; ageing; chronic non-communicable diseases; self-reported