Elderly dementia patients, socioeconomic settings, care management and ICT adoption

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the socioeconomic characteristics of dementia patients in Greece and assessed whether these factors influence their healthcare. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study design was used. In total, data from 779 elderly dementia patients were reviewed. Results: On the whole, a larger proportion of primary health care facilities were used by patients with no educational level (Odds Ratio=10.91; 95%; Confidence Interval=3.21–37.14) or no/little income adequacy (Odds Ratio=2.13; 95%; Confidence Interval=1.18–3.86). Moreover, patients with a lower economic status (€0–6000) used primary health care facilities at a lower level (Odds Ratio=0.22; 95%; Confidence Interval=0.12–0.39). After controlling for confounding effects with a logistic regression method, tertiary education (Odds Ratio=7.68; 95%; Confidence Interval=2.76–21.35) was also a factor determining the frequency of patients visiting social care services, as was a higher economic status. In a logistic regression model, a higher educational level and rural areas were related to the use of information and communication technology and their devices (Odds Ratio=65.68; 95%; Confidence Interval=7.22–597.12, tertiary education) and (Odds Ratio=0.16; 95%; Confidence Interval=0.05–0.56). Conclusions: Socioeconomic status and area of residence are two major factors that affect various aspects of dementia care, while accessibility and availability of health structures determine the type of health care patients receive.