Gender Differences and Prevalence of Psychopathological Symptoms among Geriatric Population of Ado-Ekiti
There is a general assumption that old age is a time of peace and tranquility, free from stress, but evidences show that Nigeria has one of the highestprevalence symptoms of depression, and also the rate of onset of new episodes among its geriatric population, in the world. This study investigatedprevalence of psychopathological symptoms among the geriatric population of Ado- Ekiti. Gender - differences in the levels of manifested psychopathological symptoms was also examined, 446Ekiti elderly (Mean age = 68.0 Years) residing in Ado-Ekiti responded to Awaritefe Psychological Index (Yoruba version of form x). The prevalence of psychopathological symptoms ranged from 16.1% (heat) to 41.9% (mood disorder and alimentary tract symptoms); while prevalence for general psychopathology was 44.0%. No significant gender-difference in the level of general psychopathology was reported in the study, though females manifested significantly higher level of alimentary tract symptoms while the males were significantly higher ingeneral somatic/anxiety disorder.