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Abstract
Background: Functional decline during hospitalization is a major concern among older adults, as it can lead to loss of independence, increased morbidity, and longer recovery periods. Despite the growing elderly population in Nigeria, limited data exist on factors influencing physical functioning among hospitalized older adults.
Aim: This study investigated the predictors of physical functioning among hospitalized older
adults at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Edo State, Nigeria.
Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study involving 548 hospitalized older adults
aged 60 years and above admitted between January 2020 and December 2024. Data were
obtained from patient case notes using a structured data extraction form, including demographic,
clinical, and functional variables. Physical functioning was assessed using the Barthel Index.
Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Pearson correlation and Chisquare
tests were applied, with the level of significance set at p<0.05.
Results: The mean age of participants was 74.49 ± 9.61 years, with 53% males and 47% females.
There was a significant negative relationship between age and physical functioning (r = −0.085,
p = 0.046) and a significant positive relationship between length of hospital stay and physical
functioning (r = 0.229, p < 0.001). Comorbidities (p < 0.001), primary diagnosis (p < 0.001), and
cognitive status (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with physical functioning, while pain
level showed no significant association (p = 0.291). Age, gross muscle power, range of motion,
and length of hospital stay emerged as significant predictors of physical functioning at discharge.
Conclusion: Age of hospitalized older adults is inversely related with their physical functioning,
while length of hospital stay is directly related to the physical functioning of older adults.
Aim: This study investigated the predictors of physical functioning among hospitalized older
adults at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Edo State, Nigeria.
Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study involving 548 hospitalized older adults
aged 60 years and above admitted between January 2020 and December 2024. Data were
obtained from patient case notes using a structured data extraction form, including demographic,
clinical, and functional variables. Physical functioning was assessed using the Barthel Index.
Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Pearson correlation and Chisquare
tests were applied, with the level of significance set at p<0.05.
Results: The mean age of participants was 74.49 ± 9.61 years, with 53% males and 47% females.
There was a significant negative relationship between age and physical functioning (r = −0.085,
p = 0.046) and a significant positive relationship between length of hospital stay and physical
functioning (r = 0.229, p < 0.001). Comorbidities (p < 0.001), primary diagnosis (p < 0.001), and
cognitive status (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with physical functioning, while pain
level showed no significant association (p = 0.291). Age, gross muscle power, range of motion,
and length of hospital stay emerged as significant predictors of physical functioning at discharge.
Conclusion: Age of hospitalized older adults is inversely related with their physical functioning,
while length of hospital stay is directly related to the physical functioning of older adults.
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