Healthcare System Gaps and Preventable Deaths among Elderly People in Taraba South Senatorial Zone, Nigeria

Preventable deaths among the elderly remain high, with over 70% deemed avoidable. This study investigated healthcare system gaps contributing to elderly deaths in Taraba South Senatorial Zone, Nigeria, using the Social Determinants of Health theory. A cross-sectional survey design combining quantitative and qualitative methods was employed. From a population of 1,068,367, a sample of 1,110 respondents was selected through multistage sampling across five Local Government Areas. Data collection involved structured questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions, and Key Informant Interviews. Findings showed that 69.6% of respondents cited long distances and poor transport as barriers, while 72% identified insufficient healthcare funding. Chi-square tests at a 0.05 significance level revealed that accessibility (p = 0.001) and funding (p = 0.001) significantly influenced preventable deaths. The study recommended increased healthcare funding, geriatric training, and adoption of telemedicine to reduce preventable deaths among the elderly in Taraba South.

Accessibility, elderly people, healthcare, insufficient funding, and preventable deaths

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