Determinants of Sense of Coherence among older adults attending a Geriatric Centre in Nigeria A study Protocol
Authors: Adebusoye Lawrence Adekunle , Oyinlola Oluwagbemiga , Cadmus Eniola Olubukola 
Published: June 2023

Background

Old age is a stage of life in which people face changes in their physical and psycho-emotional aspects. Thus, having an adequate sense of coherence (SOC) is required to face these situations successfully. The SOC (comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness of life) is defined as a global orientation expressing a person’s pervasive and enduring feeling of confidence modified by stimuli derived from one’s internal and external environments while living, the resources available to meet the demands posed by these stimuli, and the fact that these demands are challenges worthy of investment and engagement. Empirical evidence on the SOC available to older persons is lacking in countries like Nigeria. This study aims to investigate the Sense of Coherence (SOC) available to older patients attending the Chief Tony Anenih Geriatric Centre (CTAGC), University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria and its association with socio-demographic, family relationships, spirituality, cognition, depression, functional disability, quality of life, and level of frailty among them.

Methods

This will be a cross-sectional descriptive study of 385 older persons (≥60 years) attending the CTAGC, UCH, Ibadan, Nigeria. A semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire will obtain information on the respondents’ demographic, social, economic, family relationships, health profiles, and healthcare utilization patterns. The Sense of Coherence (SOC) status will be measured with Antonovsky’s SOC scale (SOC-13). The information on the respondent’s spirituality, cognition, depression, functional disability, quality of life, family relationship, and level of frailty will be assessed using the spirituality index of well-being, six-item screener, Geriatric depression scale, Barthel’s independence Activities of Daily Living, World Health Organization-Quality of Life brief scale, Sense of Coherence-Family Relations Scale (SCO-FRS), and self-assessment of frailty syndrome, respectively.

Data analysis

Data will be entered and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 27.0. Tables and charts will be summarised using frequency, proportion, and means. Inferential statistics will test for associations between variables using the Student’s t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) as appropriate. Linear regression analysis will explore the relationship between significant variables in bivariate analysis with SOC. The level of significance will be set at 5%.

Implication

This investigation holds several promises for enhancing psychological well-being, improving physical health outcomes, informing holistic geriatric care, strengthening social support networks, and guiding policy and program development. By prioritizing research and intervention in these areas, we can foster a society that values and supports the well-being of older adults, ensuring they enjoy a fulfilling and dignified life during their golden years.