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Akinrolie O, Iwuagwu AO, Kalu ME, Rayner D, Oyinlola O, Ezulike CD, Okoh AC, Makanju AO, Ugwuodo EP, Ugwuja IA, John MO, Adeleke D, Egbumike CJ, Anieto EM, Anieto IB, Alumona CJ, Onyeso OK, Ojembe B, Omeje CA, Nwachukwu EC, Ekediegwu EC, Onyeso KM, Adeboye A, Ibekaku M, Akinrolie O, Onyekere CP. Longitudinal Studies of Aging in Sub-Saharan Africa: Review, Limitations, and Recommendations in Preparation of Projected Aging Population. Innov Aging 2024; 8:igae002. [PMID: 38628825 PMCID: PMC11020233 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igae002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives The United Nations has projected a 218% increase in older people in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) between 2019 and 2050, underscoring the need to explore changes that would occur over this time. Longitudinal studies are ideal for studying and proffering solutions to these changes. This review aims to understand the breadth and use of longitudinal studies on aging in the SSA regions, proffering recommendations in preparation for the projected aging population. Research Design and Methods This paper is the third of a four-part series paper of a previous systematic mapping review of aging studies in SSA. We updated the search (between 2021 and 2023) and screened the titles/abstracts and full-text articles by a pair of independent reviewers. Data were extracted using a standardized data-charting form, identifying longitudinal studies in SSA. Results We identified 193 studies leveraging 24 longitudinal study data sets conducted at 28 unique sites. The World Health Organization's Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (WHO-SAGE) (n = 59, 30.5%) and Health and Aging in Africa: A Longitudinal Study of an INDEPTH Community in South Africa (HAALSI) (n = 51, 26.4%) were the most used longitudinal data sets. Four studies used more than one longitudinal study data set. Eighteen of the longitudinal study data sets were used only in 1-4 studies. Most (n = 150, 77.7%) of the studies used a cross-sectional analytical approach. Discussion and Implications Longitudinal studies on aging are sparingly being utilized in SSA. Most analyses conducted across the longitudinal data set were cross-sectional, which hindered the understanding of aging changes that occurred over time that could better inform aging policy and interventions. We call for funding bodies, such as WHO-SAGE, to develop funding competitions that focus on conducting longitudinal analyses, such as structural equation modeling, highlighting changes occurring among the aging population in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olayinka Akinrolie
- Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Anthony O Iwuagwu
- School of Social Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Social Work, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Michael E Kalu
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Rayner
- Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Oluwagbemiga Oyinlola
- School of Social Work, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Medical Social Services Department, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria
| | - Chigozie D Ezulike
- Department of Social Work, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Augustine C Okoh
- Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adebayo O Makanju
- Interdisciplinary Social Research Program (Aging and Health), Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ebere P Ugwuodo
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Immaculata A Ugwuja
- Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Deborah Adeleke
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | - Ijeoma B Anieto
- Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Chiedozie James Alumona
- Department of Physiotherapy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
- Faculty of Health Science, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Blessing Ojembe
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Chidinma A Omeje
- Physiotherapy Unit, Asaba Specialist Hospital, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria
| | - Ernest C Nwachukwu
- School of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Ezinne C Ekediegwu
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation (Physiotherapy), Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra, Nigeria
| | - Kelechi M Onyeso
- Department of Estate Management, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Ademuyiwa Adeboye
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Michael Ibekaku
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Omobolade Akinrolie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Health Science Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Chukwuebuka P Onyekere
- Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
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Kalu ME, Ojembe BU, Akinrolie O, Okoh AC, Adandom II, Nwankwo HC, Ajulo MS, Omeje CA, Okeke CO, Uduonu EM, Ezulike JC, Anieto EM, Emofe D, Nwachukwu EC, Ibekaku MC, Obi PC. Setting priorities for ageing research in Africa: A systematic mapping review of 512 studies from sub-Saharan Africa. J Glob Health 2021. [PMID: 34327003 PMCID: PMC8284542 DOI: 10.7189/11.15002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2040, the older population's growth rate in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) will be faster than those experienced by developed nations since 1950. In preparation for this growth, the National Institute on Aging commissioned the National Academies' Committee on Population to organize a workshop on advancing aging research in Africa. This meeting provided a platform for discussing some areas requiring improvement in aging research in SSA regions. We believed that conducting a systematic review of peer-reviewed articles to set priorities for aging research in SSA is warranted. Therefore, this article is the first in a Four-Part series that summaries the types and trends of peer-reviewed studies in SSA. Methods This systematic mapping review followed the Search-Appraisal-Synthesis-Analysis Framework. We systematically searched multiple databases from inception till February 2021 and included peer-reviewed articles conducted with/for older adults residing in SSA. Conventional content analysis was employed to categorize studies into subject-related areas. Results We included 512 studies (quantitative = 426, qualitative = 71 and mixed-method = 15). Studies were conducted in 32 countries. Quantitative studies included were observational studies: cross-sectional (n = 250, 59%), longitudinal (n = 126, 30%), and case-control (n = 12, 3%); and experimental studies: pre-post design (n = 4, 1%), randomized control trial (RCT, n = 12, 3%); and not reported (n = 21, 5%). Fifteen qualitative studies did not state their study design; where stated, study design ranged from descriptive (n = 14, 20%), ethnography (n = 12, 17%), grounded theory (n = 7, 10%), narrative (n = 5, 7%), phenomenology (n = 10, 14%), interpretative exploratory (n = 4, 6%), case studies (n = 4, 6%). Of the 15 mixed-method studies, seven did not state their mixed-method design. Where stated, design includes concurrent (n = 1), convergent (n = 1), cross-sectional (n = 3), informative (n = 1), sequential exploratory (n = 1) and retrospective (n = 2). Studies were classified into 30 (for quantitative studies) and seven (for qualitative and mixed-method) subject-related areas. HIV/AIDs-related and non-communicable diseases-related studies were the most predominant subject-related areas. No studies explored the transdisciplinary co-production of interventions. Conclusions There are glaring gaps in ageing research in SSA, especially mixed-methods and RCTs. A large number of studies focused on HIV/AIDs and non-communicable disease-related studies. National and international funding agencies should set up priority funding competitions for transdisciplinary collaborations in ageing research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Kalu
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing - African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org).,School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Blessing U Ojembe
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing - African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org).,Department of Health, Ageing & Society, McMaster University, Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Olayinka Akinrolie
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing - African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org).,Applied Health Science Program, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Augustine C Okoh
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing - African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org)
| | - Israel I Adandom
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing - African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org).,Physiotherapy Department, Cedacrest Hospitals, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Henrietta C Nwankwo
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing - African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org).,Faculty of Health Science, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michael S Ajulo
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing - African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org)
| | - Chidinma A Omeje
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing - African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org).,Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nigeria
| | - Chukwuebuka O Okeke
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing - African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org).,Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Ekezie M Uduonu
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing - African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org).,Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nigeria
| | - Juliet C Ezulike
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing - African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org).,Department of Social Work, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.,Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Ebuka M Anieto
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing - African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org).,Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Diameta Emofe
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing - African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org).,Physiotherapy Department, Humanity Hospital Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria
| | - Ernest C Nwachukwu
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing - African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org).,Physiotherapy Department, Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital-Parklane, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Michael C Ibekaku
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing - African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org).,Department of Physiotherapy, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin city, Nigeria
| | - Perpetual C Obi
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing - African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org).,Physiotherapy Unit, Peak Wellness Centre, Abuja, Nigeria
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Kalu ME, Ojembe BU, Akinrolie O, Okoh AC, Adandom II, Nwankwo HC, Ajulo MS, Omeje CA, Okeke CO, Uduonu EM, Ezulike JC, Anieto EM, Emofe D, Nwachukwu EC, Ibekaku MC, Obi PC. Setting priorities for ageing research in Africa: A systematic mapping review of 512 studies from sub-Saharan Africa. J Glob Health 2021; 11:15002. [PMID: 34327003 PMCID: PMC8284542 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.11.15002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2040, the older population's growth rate in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) will be faster than those experienced by developed nations since 1950. In preparation for this growth, the National Institute on Aging commissioned the National Academies' Committee on Population to organize a workshop on advancing aging research in Africa. This meeting provided a platform for discussing some areas requiring improvement in aging research in SSA regions. We believed that conducting a systematic review of peer-reviewed articles to set priorities for aging research in SSA is warranted. Therefore, this article is the first in a Four-Part series that summaries the types and trends of peer-reviewed studies in SSA. METHODS This systematic mapping review followed the Search-Appraisal-Synthesis-Analysis Framework. We systematically searched multiple databases from inception till February 2021 and included peer-reviewed articles conducted with/for older adults residing in SSA. Conventional content analysis was employed to categorize studies into subject-related areas. RESULTS We included 512 studies (quantitative = 426, qualitative = 71 and mixed-method = 15). Studies were conducted in 32 countries. Quantitative studies included were observational studies: cross-sectional (n = 250, 59%), longitudinal (n = 126, 30%), and case-control (n = 12, 3%); and experimental studies: pre-post design (n = 4, 1%), randomized control trial (RCT, n = 12, 3%); and not reported (n = 21, 5%). Fifteen qualitative studies did not state their study design; where stated, study design ranged from descriptive (n = 14, 20%), ethnography (n = 12, 17%), grounded theory (n = 7, 10%), narrative (n = 5, 7%), phenomenology (n = 10, 14%), interpretative exploratory (n = 4, 6%), case studies (n = 4, 6%). Of the 15 mixed-method studies, seven did not state their mixed-method design. Where stated, design includes concurrent (n = 1), convergent (n = 1), cross-sectional (n = 3), informative (n = 1), sequential exploratory (n = 1) and retrospective (n = 2). Studies were classified into 30 (for quantitative studies) and seven (for qualitative and mixed-method) subject-related areas. HIV/AIDs-related and non-communicable diseases-related studies were the most predominant subject-related areas. No studies explored the transdisciplinary co-production of interventions. CONCLUSIONS There are glaring gaps in ageing research in SSA, especially mixed-methods and RCTs. A large number of studies focused on HIV/AIDs and non-communicable disease-related studies. National and international funding agencies should set up priority funding competitions for transdisciplinary collaborations in ageing research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Kalu
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing – African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org)
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Blessing U Ojembe
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing – African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org)
- Department of Health, Ageing & Society, McMaster University, Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Olayinka Akinrolie
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing – African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org)
- Applied Health Science Program, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Augustine C Okoh
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing – African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org)
| | - Israel I Adandom
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing – African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org)
- Physiotherapy Department, Cedacrest Hospitals, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Henrietta C Nwankwo
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing – African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org)
- Faculty of Health Science, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michael S Ajulo
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing – African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org)
| | - Chidinma A Omeje
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing – African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org)
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nigeria
| | - Chukwuebuka O Okeke
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing – African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org)
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Ekezie M Uduonu
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing – African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org)
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nigeria
| | - Juliet C Ezulike
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing – African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org)
- Department of Social Work, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Ebuka M Anieto
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing – African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org)
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Diameta Emofe
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing – African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org)
- Physiotherapy Department, Humanity Hospital Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria
| | - Ernest C Nwachukwu
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing – African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org)
- Physiotherapy Department, Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital-Parklane, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Michael C Ibekaku
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing – African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org)
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin city, Nigeria
| | - Perpetual C Obi
- Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing – African Network, Nigeria (www.erpaan.org)
- Physiotherapy Unit, Peak Wellness Centre, Abuja, Nigeria
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