Sex and Rural-urban Disparities in Prevalence of Self-reported Chronic Non-communicable Diseases and Health Risks among Older Adults in Ghana: Implications for the National Aging Policy

Objective: Differences exist in the composition and morbidity/mortality patterns of older persons. This analysis determined sex differences and rural-urban disparities in common chronic diseases and health risks among older persons in Ghana.Methods: This work was based on World Health Organization’s (WHO) multi-country Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE), conducted in six countries including Ghana. Nationally representative sample of 4725 persons ≥50 years was involved in this analysis. Data were obtained on eight self-reported chronic diseases and analysed by sex and location.Results: Women ≥50 years in rural-urban locations self-reported more ill-health than men of comparable age. Educational levels, household incomes and possession of health insurance were lower among rural residents. Alcohol and tobacco use were significantlyhigher in rural locations (61% vs. 55.3%) and (29.6% vs. 20.9%) respectively, while obesity was significantly higher among urban residents (17.5% vs. 4.5%). Sex differences in prevalence of chronic conditions were statistically significant for-Angina (F:M 1.8), Arthritis(F:M 1.7), Depression (F:M 2.9), Diabetes (F:M 1.3), Hypertension (F:M 1.8) and Stroke (F:M 1.2). Urbanrural disparities were significant for chronic lung disease (1% vs. 0.4%), diabetes (6.4% vs. 2.2%), hypertension (22.8% vs. 7.3%) and stroke (4% vs1.7%).Conclusions: Preventive health programmes and provision and targeting of social protection (improved access to health care and pensions) should consider sex and location of vulnerable older persons as the country implements the national aging policy.