THE NEED TO APPEAR HEALTHY: CONCEALMENT OF CHRONIC ILLNESS, PRIVACY, AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY AMONG OLDER NIGERIANS
2024
Concealing Chronic Illness Among Older Nigerians
Sample size: 19
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Mahmoud Kafayat, Baker Tamara, Esiaka Darlingtina, Balogun Saliu
Hypothesis
How do older Nigerians with chronic illnesses navigate their social contexts?
Conclusion
Chronically ill older Nigerians prefer to keep their conditions private within close family circles to avoid discrimination and maintain normalcy.
Supporting Evidence
- Social networks and support are important for older adults' wellbeing.
- The study found that older Nigerians with chronic illnesses prefer to keep their conditions private.
- Feelings of shame and inferiority limit social participation among chronically ill older Nigerians.
Takeaway
Older Nigerians with chronic illnesses often hide their conditions from friends and others because they want to seem healthy and avoid being treated differently.
Methodology
Qualitative study using semi-structured in-depth interviews.
Participant Demographics
Older adults aged 50 years and above, chronically ill, and receiving clinical care.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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