Factors associated with Health care utilization and morbidity pattern among adults in later life: Community based study

Abstract

Advanced health care, demographic transitions, improved longevity has resulted into fast-growing ageing population worldwide. Objective: The present study aims to identify the gender differences and factors associated with health care utilization and morbidity experience among adults in later life. Materials and Methods: The community-based cross-sectional study assessed the health care utilization and pattern of chronic diseases experienced by adults in later life. Adults (≥60 years), willing to participate and meeting study criteria were interviewed using a pre-defined, pre-tested, structured interview questionnaire. Results: Men (n=26 (50%) and women (n=12 (19%) have more than three chronic morbidities. About 21 (40%) men and 37 (59%) women reported at least one chronic morbidity. More men, (55%; 29) compared to women (n=51%; 32) were reported of having hypertension. The second most common chronic condition in men is (40.5%; 21) chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD, whereas, it is orthopaedic issues in women (35%; 22). Only 9.5% (5) of the men and 22.5% (14) of the women agreed that they do not suffer from any chronic morbidities. Majority of the men (65%; n=34), only 4.5% (n=3) of women stated to be active smokers. About 6% (n=3) of the men and none of the women exercise for ≥(5 days) 180 min in a week. Conclusion: There is a compromise in health behaviours and health care utilization among older men and women through the prevalence of chronic morbidities is high.

Keywords: Factors associated, gender differences, morbidity pattern, health care utilization, adults in later life

Cite this Article

Varalakshmi Manchana. Factors Associated with Health Care Utilization and Morbidity Pattern among Adults in Later Life: Community Based Study. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Health Professions. 2019; 9(1): 6–12p.