determinants of health service utilization among older adults in bedele town, illubabor zone, ormia, Ethiopia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In any country use of health services by elderly could vary according to the cultural, social, economic and demographic situation of the person who may need care. In certain contexts, it particularly varies with age and sex of the potential service user. Several studies have been conducted on health service utilization of elderly population in many parts of the world. However; there is paucity of information on the level and associated factors on health service utilization among elderly population in Ethiopia in general and in the study site in particular. OBJECTIVE: To assess utilization of health services and associated factors among population of older adults in Bedele town, Illubabor zone, Oromiya Region, Ethiopia. METHODS: A community based cross sectional study carried on 284 elderly populations residing in Bedele town from February- March 2013. A pre-tested structured questioner was administered by trained data collector through simple random sampling technique. The collected data was cleaned, coded and entered into computer and analyzed using SPSS windows version 16. Descriptive statistics (tables and graphs) were done to summarize data. Binary and multiple logistic regression was undertaken to determine the independent predictor of health service utilization. Finally based on the result of the study possible recommendation were forwarded to the concerned governmental, nongovernmental and other organization. RESULT: About half (49.6%) of the study participants reported to have utilized health care services in the last 1 year. Proportion of study participants reporting poor, moderate and good health status were 66.9%, 25.7% and 7.4%respectively. The following factors were identified as determinants of health service utilization among the elderly in Bedele: a medical history of at least one chronic condition (OR = 1.737; [0.425-2.562]; p < 0.000), who had reported enough money to meet their need were 75% utilize health services when compared to participants who did not have enough money to meet their need 47.3% (OR = 1.587; 95% CI = [1.236 – 2.037], p = 0.004). In addition, participants who travel less than 10km utilized health service 1.4% higher when compared to participants who travel more than 10 km. CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS: Age, Income, education, medical history of at least one chronic condition and poor perceived health status were the most pervasive PDF Create! 5 Trial www.nuance.com DocuCom PDF Trial www.pdfwizard.com ii determinants of health service utilization. In addition, severe cognitive impairment and significant influence on health care utilization among the elderly population in Bedele town. These factors could help health policy makers and health service providers identify and understand the situation of the elderly and consequently create conducive environment for providing appropriate health services. In addition to that, Provision of home-based health services could facilitate their accessibility for the elderly especially those with various difficulties