Does gender influence mobility difficulty among older persons in Uganda? Examining socio-demographic determinants

Abel Nzabona, Makerere University
James Ntozi, Makerere University

Mobility difficulty among older persons presents health and transport concerns in Uganda where health and transport systems are still undergoing development. Although some information on later life mobility limitation exists, less is known about associated risk factors.This study of 605 older persons from 4 rural districts and one urban centre examines socio-demographic determinants of mobility difficulty among older persons in Uganda. Findings from a binary logistic regression indicates older persons who were female, uneducated, with no migrant children, with land and lived in thatched houses were more likely to have mobility difficulty than those who were male, more educated, with out-migrant children and landless. It is recommended that an osteoporosis wing be set up in the country’s public health units, age-friendly urban centres be developed and a special old age fund be established.