Sociodemographic, functional disability and severe illness predict extreme fatigue among older adults in Ghana

Abstract Background Extreme fatigue is a disabling but under-recognized condition among older adults. However, studies investigating impact of sociodemographic and health-related factors on extreme fatigue among older adults in Ghana are limited. This study, therefore, examined the prevalence and predictors of extreme fatigue among older adults in Ghana. Methods We analyzed cross-sectional data among community-dwelling older adults aged 50+ ( N = 4,838) extracted from the 2023 Ghana Annual Household Income and Expenditure Survey (AHIES). Participants had a mean age of 59.9 ± 8.3 years (maximum age = 99 years), and the sample comprised 2,159 (44.63%) males and 2,679 (55.37%) females. Extreme fatigue was self-reported and recorded dichotomously (yes/no). Descriptive statistics were applied to estimate the prevalence of extreme fatigue. A multivariable model estimated adjusted associations, with significance at p < 0.05. Results Overall, 17.03% of participants reported experiencing extreme fatigue. In the multivariable model, severe illness (aOR = 5.16, 95% CI 4.21–6.31), functional disability (aOR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.05–1.63), rural residence (aOR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.06–1.50), and basic labor occupations (aOR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.13–1.78) predicted higher likelihood of experiencing extreme fatigue. Also, older adults of Gurma (aOR = 2.94, 95% CI 2.05–4.19) and other ethnic groups (aOR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.12–2.65) had higher odds of experiencing extreme fatigue. On the other hand, older adults in Northern (aOR = 0.31, 95% CI 0.22–0.43) and Southern Ghana (aOR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.40–0.58) were less likely to report extreme fatigue. Conclusion Chronic illness, functional disability, occupation, and regional disparities emerged as key predictors, highlighting the need for geriatric care to extend beyond clinical treatment to include simple, community-level approaches that support daily functioning and healthy ageing, aligned with SDG 3.