THE NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY
ISSN: 0331-4111 e-ISSN: 2736-075X
Volume 22, No. 1, June 2024
Pages 18-36
DOI: 10.36108/NJSA/4202.22.0120
Routine Medical Checkups among the Elderly in Africa: A Scoping Review of Empirical Evidence
1 Abbas Isma’il and 2 Jimoh Amzat
1 Department of Sociology, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina, Nigeria
2 Department of Sociology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
Abstract
Comorbid conditions are common among the elderly, and they are in danger of passing away soon. Therefore, there is a need for frequent routine medical checkups (RMCs) to maintain their health status. This scoping review aims to assess the extent of available empirical evidence on RMCs among the elderly in Africa. Seven research databases, namely PubMed, CINAHL Ultimate, CINAHL Complete, AMED (The Allied and Complementary Medicine Database), Sociological Abstracts, Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection, and Jisc Library Hub, were systematically explored to retrieve 240 studies. Using Endnote software, the collected articles were extracted, deduplicated, and screened. This review analyzed three studies on RMCs among the elderly in Africa. The studies were conducted in Nigeria, Tanzania, and Ghana, utilizing various methodologies. The baseline knowledge and practice of preventive healthcare services were explored in two studies. While the majority of the respondents demonstrated limited awareness, which led to low use rates. The findings showed that a considerable percentage of respondents were aware of age-related noncommunicable diseases and preventive healthcare services. According to one study, older people’s health condition is influenced by their health behaviors, access to healthcare, and health literacy. A considerable study vacuum in understanding the prevalence, usefulness, and implications of RMCs among the elderly in Africa is suggested by the paucity of research publications. Future research should examine the advantages, challenges, and tactics for improving access to and utilization of RMCs specifically designed for Africa’s aging population. Addressing this gap can contribute to evidence-based healthcare policies and interventions aimed at promoting the overall health and well-being of the elderly in Africa.
Keywords: Access to healthcare, age-related diseases, health literacy among the elderly, routine medical checkups