ABSTRACT
Family neglect is a major problem with negative psychological and social outcomes amongst older persons residing in low- and middle-income countries, especially where there is paucity of resources. This study thus examined the psychosocial effect of family negligence on the elderly in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State.
A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study and the target population were older persons above 60years and are members of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners in Ibadan North Local Government. A simple random sampling was used to select 198 older persons who were members of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners. A self-developed questionnaire tagged “Psychosocial Effect of Family Negligence on Elderly Questionnaire”. Four research hypotheses were formulated and were tested using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at 0.05 level of significance.
The result showed that, there is a significant negative effect of family negligence on depression of the elderly (F=-71.5, df=2/194, -crit=2.60), also there is a negative effect of family negligence on low-self-esteem of the elderly (F=-44.5, df=3/194, f-crit=2.60), furthermore, there is a negative effect of family negligence on grieving experience among the elderly (F=-22.6, df=3/194, f-crit=2.60), and finally there is a negative effect of feelings of isolation experienced by the elderly as a result of family negligence on their wellbeing (F=-19.7, df=3/194, f-crit=2.60).
The study recommends that, there is need for social mobilization towards raising the awareness on the negative impact of discrimination on psychosocial wellbeing of older person. There is also the need for a sustainable policy framework for older persons towards reducing the psychosocial effect that comes with growing old especially for individuals with multiple morbidities. Also family members should show more love, care and understanding for older persons in Nigeria.
Key Words: Psychosocial, Effect, Family negligence, Elderly
