Older persons' residential arrangements and health in Nouna (Burkina Faso): Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses

The study uses data from the Nouna Population Observatory in Burkina Faso to examine mortality, chronic morbidity and self-reported health of residents aged 50 and above by type of residence (household living arrangements). We use the Gompertz parametric model for the analysis of mortality, and logistic regression models for self-reported health and chronic morbidity. The results show that the health of older persons varies across household living arrangements, with an advantage for those living with a spouse. Men living alone or with young dependents report more chronic diseases than women living alone or with young dependents. On the other hand, married men report that they are healthier than married women. In addition, widowers living with non-dependent children exhibit a higher risk of death compared to widows of the same group. This study revealed the importance of residential arrangements for health in rural area in Africa. Older persons living with other non-dependent people have better health than others.