Anxiety, life-space mobility and quality of life among frail older adults in Enugu, South-East Nigeria

Abstract

Frailty is an increasing public health concern in ageing populations and is frequently accompanied by psychological distress, mobility limitations, and reduced quality of life. Anxiety is common among frail older adults and may influence functional mobility and well-being. However, evidence on the relationships between anxiety, life-space mobility, and quality of life among frail older adults in low- and middle-income countries, particularly Nigeria, is limited. This study assessed the prevalence of anxiety, life-space mobility, and quality of life, and examined their relationships with selected socio-demographic variables among frail older adults in Enugu, south-east Nigeria. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 119 frail older adults aged ≥ 60 years residing in Uwani community, Enugu State. Frailty was assessed using the FRAIL Scale. Anxiety, life-space mobility, and quality of life were measured using the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Life-Space Mobility Questionnaire (LSM), and World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF), respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise participants’ characteristics. Spearman’s rank correlation examined associations among anxiety, life-space mobility, and quality of life, while Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis H tests assessed differences across gender, marital status, and employment status. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Clinically relevant anxiety symptoms were present in 36.1% of participants. Most participants (95.8%) demonstrated larger life-space mobility, while 4.2% had restricted life-space. Anxiety showed a weak but significant positive correlation with life-space mobility (ρ = 0.286, p = 0.002), but was not significantly associated with quality of life. Life-space mobility was also not significantly related to quality of life. Females, married participants, and those who were employed reported significantly higher quality of life scores. Frail older adults exhibited a high prevalence of anxiety despite relatively preserved mobility. Anxiety was associated with mobility patterns but not overall quality of life. Socio-demographic factors remain important determinants of quality of life, highlighting the need for integrated geriatric interventions targeting mental health, mobility, and social support.