Gerontology & Geriatric Research

Abstract

Assessment of the Effect of Information Access on Emotional Well-Being of the Elderly in Ibadan

Oluwagbemiga Oyinlola and Oluwafunmilayo O Folaranmi

The objective of the study is to assess the effect of information access on emotional well-being among the elderly presented at the Geriatric Center, University College Hospital, Ibadan. The study used a descriptive survey research to retrieve information from the purposively selected 186 respondents attending the Geriatric Centre. Structured questionnaire was used to retrieve information from the respondents after obtaining ethical approval from the hospital research ethics committee. The result was analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) which revealed that, there was a significant effect of print media on the emotional well-being of the elderly at the Geriatric Center, University College Hospital, Ibadan. Internet access had significant effect on the emotional well-being of the elderly at the Geriatric Center, University College Hospital, Ibadan. Also, access to audio-visual had significant effect on the emotional well-being of the elderly at the Geriatric Center, University College Hospital, Ibadan. The multiple regression analysis showed that, audio-visual contributed the most to the emotional well-being of the elderly (ß=0.402; t=6.788; p<0.05).Followed by Print-media (ß=0.216 t =5.150; p<0.05) and then by Internet access (ß=0.211 t=2.300; p<0.05). Recommendations include development of age appropriate production of adult friendly Information Education Communication (IEC) materials. Specialized training in communication skills for Geriatric medical social workers, nurses and physicians to flexibly work in a culturally sensitive environment will enhance promotion dignity and worth of elderly patients presented in hospitals.