A Cross-Sectional Study to Examine Factors Associated with Primary Health Care Service Utilization among Older Adults in the Irbid Governorate of Jordan

Jamal Qaddumi,Madi Jaghbir,Wasileh Petro,Margo B Holm,Abdullah Alkhawaldeh,Omar Al Omari

doi:10.1155/2014/735235

Abstract

Background. Recently, the percentage of older adults in developing countries has increased significantly. Objective. This study examined patterns and factors associated with primary health care services utilization in the past 1, 6, and 12 months. Method. A cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from 190 older adults in the Irbid governorate of Jordan. Results. Primary health care services were used by less than half of the participants in the past 1 month, by 68.4% in the past 6 months, and by 73.8% in the past 12 months. Primary health care (PHC) services use was associated with age, education level, tobacco use, chronic illnesses, perceived general health status today, a physical component summary score, employment, and perceived general health status in the past 6 and 12 months. The primary predictor of PHC services use at 1, 6, and 12 months was chronic illnesses (OR = 13.32), (OR = 19.63), and (OR = 17.91), respectively. Conclusion. Although many factors were associated with PHC service utilization, the strongest predictor of PHC service utilization was chronic illnesses.

Highlights

The percentage of older adults in developing countries has increased significantly [1]
The study was conducted in the catchment areas associated with three comprehensive Primary health care (PHC) centers which provide services from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and most of these health centers serve large numbers of people and offer many preventive and curative health care services situated in areas within the Irbid governorate of north Jordan [20]
The present study identified several predisposing and need factors that were associated with PHC service utilization

Summary

Introduction

The percentage of older adults in developing countries has increased significantly [1]. Middle income countries have found that this increase in older adults represents a major challenge for health care organizations as a result of the physical, social, and psychological changes associated with complex morbidity and mortality profiles [2]. This study examined patterns and factors associated with primary health care services utilization in the past 1, 6, and 12 months. Primary health care (PHC) services use was associated with age, education level, tobacco use, chronic illnesses, perceived general health status today, a physical component summary score, employment, and perceived general health status in the past 6 and 12 months. The primary predictor of PHC services use at 1, 6, and 12 months was chronic illnesses (OR = 13.32), (OR = 19.63), and (OR = 17.91), respectively. Many factors were associated with PHC service utilization, the strongest predictor of PHC service utilization was chronic illnesses

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion