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Geriatric medicine: services and training in Africa

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Catherine Dotchin, Dr Rufus Akinyemi, Professor Richard Walker

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Abstract

Methods: a short survey was developed and sent to representatives from every country. Where appropriate, French and Portuguese translations were available. Results: responses were received from 40/54 countries (74%). Data were obtained via an internet search for a further three countries. Out of 43, 25 countries had no geriatricians. Out of 40, 35 countries had no formal undergraduate training for medical students on geriatrics and 33 of 40 countries reported no national postgraduate training scheme for geriatrics. Having at least one geriatrician in the country was associated with a World Bank upper middle-income status (P = 0.04), but there was no significant association with the population size (P = 0.395). Conclusion: despite increasing numbers of older people and the increasing burden of chronic disease there are few geriatricians in Africa. Without undergraduate training, even general medical physicians will have limited knowledge of specialist geriatric needs. This is an area that will require development and investment in the future.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Dotchin CL, Akinyemi RO, Gray WK, Walker RW

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Age and Ageing

Year: 2013

Volume: 42

Issue: 1

Pages: 124-128

Print publication date: 01/01/2013

ISSN (print): 0002-0729

ISSN (electronic): 1468-2834

Publisher: Oxford University Press

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afs119

DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afs119

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