Predictors of Home Health Care Service Use by Anglo American, Mexican American and South Korean Elders

Choi Choi

doi:10.3844/ijrnsp.2010.8.16

Abstract

Problem statement: This study was designed to identify predictors of the use of home health care services by elders in different ethnic groups. Approach: A cross-sectional study was conducted with convenient sample of Anglo elders (N = 57), Mexican American elders (N = 56) and elders in South Korea (N = 83). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted. Results: The need for home health care services was the significant predictor of home care service use for Anglo (Adjusted R2 = 0.164; R2 change = 0.176; F-change (1,56) = 11.93; p = 0.001); service awareness and low education were significant predictors for Mexican American (Adjusted R2 = 0.332; R2 change = 0.068; F-change (1,48) = 5.22; p = 0.027). Service awareness and elders living alone were significant predictors for South Korean elders (Adjusted R2 = 0.112; R2 change = 0.050; F-change (1,80) = 4.58; p = 0.035). Conclusion: The results of the study suggested that effective interventions for home health care services should focus on elders' service awareness, low income and education and elders living alone to maximize the use of home health care services.

Highlights

Home health care is the fastest growing area in the health care system
In this study we look for predictors of home health care use among the elderly in two familiar cultures (Mexican American elders in the US and Korean elders in Korea) and one non-familiar culture (AngloAmerican elders in the US)
Study design: A cross-sectional study was undertaken to compare the use of home health care services by different ethnic groups

Summary

Introduction

Home health care is the fastest growing area in the health care system. Designed to assist elders and their family caregivers, home health services include skilled assessment, skilled teaching, substantial skilled treatments and support services (Calderon-Rosado et al, 2002; Hughes et al, 2000). The elderly population, in particular, is at high risk for falls and poor health status, resulting in a higher prevalence of chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension and diabetes (Aranda et al, 2009; Elliott et al, 2009; Faul et al, 2009). These statistics point to a need for reliable predictors of home health care use

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Conclusion