Prevalence and Trend of Geriatric Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases at University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

Aims: To determine the prevalence of otorhinolaryngologic diseases and the trend in the elderly people at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, between July 2001 and June 2015.

Methodology: The clinical records of 421 elderly patients [202 (48%) males; 219 (52%) females; age range 65 – 103 years] with ear, nose, throat, head and neck symptoms were reviewed for all essential data which included demographics (age and sex) and clinical diagnoses. These were categorised into otologic, rhinologic, pharyngolaryngeal and face & neck cases. The results were presented in tabular forms and descriptive analysis performed.

Results: The geriatrics otorhinolaryngologic cases constituted 4.1% of all the total new cases of otorhinolaryngologic diseases managed during the study period. Otorhinolaryngologic diagnoses made included otologic, rhinologic, pharyngolaryngeal and face & neck cases in 282 (67.0%), 64 (15.2%), 62 (14.7%), and 13 (3.1%) respectively.

Conclusion: The prevalence and trend of geriatric otorhinolaryngologic diseases in Nigeria have not really changed despite the increase in life expectancy. Policy makers on health should be aware of this information and use it in planning health care programme for the elderly persons in Nigeria.