Psychologicalneedsof the elderly reported by their healthcare workers: A study on Bakateyamba Home, Nalukolongo, Kampala City. A cross-sectional study.

Jane Frances Namuddu; Donatus Kimera

doi:10.70572/agp.v3i9.114

Authors

Jane Frances Namuddu Faculty of social science and psychology, University of Kisubi
Donatus Kimera Faculty of social science and psychology, University of Kisubi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70572/agp.v3i9.114

Keywords:

Psychological needs, the elderly, Healthcare workers, Bakateyamba Home

Abstract

Background:

The Nigerian national system faces similar challenges in preparing a national framework that can maximise coverage for citizens amid psychological and demographic changes in the ageing population. The study aims to identify the psychological needs of the elderly reported by their healthcare workers: A study on Bakateyamba Home, Nalukolongo, Kampala City.

Methodology:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using quantitative methods. Participants included health workers and management staff at the home. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires and analysed using Microsoft Word and Excel.

Results:

majority of the respondents, 30(86%) were certificate holders, followed by 4(11%) who were diploma holders while the minority, 1(3%) had UACE level of qualification. The majority of the health workers, 12(48%), disagreed that the elderly at home were supported by their families. Most of the health workers 12(48%) agreed that the elderly at the home were worried about their health problems. The majority of the health workers, 10(40%), strongly agreed that the elderly at the home were worried about their financial problems. Most of the health workers, 11(44%), strongly agreed that the elderly at home were stressed about being dependents. The majority of the health workers, 17(68%), agreed that homesickness was a common psychological challenge. Most of the health workers, 13(52%), were neutral about psychotic depression being a common psychological challenge among the elderly at home. The majority of the health workers, 14(56%), agreed that anxiety was a common psychological challenge among the elderly at the home. Most of the health workers, 10(40%), disagreed that the elderly under their care were comfortable being at Bakateyamba home.

Conclusion:

Worry about their health, financial stress, homesickness, and anxiety were the most pronounced psychological needs of the elderly.

Recommendations:

Health workers should encourage elderly residents to participate in decisions about their own care whenever possible.

Author Biographies

Jane Frances Namuddu, Faculty of social science and psychology, University of Kisubi

is a student of a Bachelor of Counselling Psychology at the University of Kisubi.

Donatus Kimera, Faculty of social science and psychology, University of Kisubi

is a supervisor at the University of Kisubi.

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