Abstract
BackgroundOur aim was to assess the prevalence and demographic and socioeconomic correlates of chronic morbidity in the elderly population of transitional Kosovo.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Kosovo in 2011 including a representative sample of 1890 individuals aged ≥65 years (949 men, mean age 73 ± 6 years; 941 women, mean age 74 ± 7 years; response rate: 83%). A structured questionnaire inquired about the presence and the number of self-reported chronic diseases among elderly people, and their access to medical care. Demographic and socioeconomic data were also collected. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the association of demographic and socioeconomic characteristics with chronic conditions.ResultsIn this nationwide population-based sample in Kosovo, 42% of elderly people were unable to access medical care, of whom 88% due to unaffordable costs. About 83% of the elderly people reported at least one chronic condition (63% cardiovascular diseases), and 45% had at least two chronic diseases. In multivariable-adjusted models, factors associated with the presence of chronic conditions and/or multimorbidity were female sex, older age, self-perceived poverty and the inability to access medical care.ConclusionThis study provides important evidence on the magnitude and distribution of chronic conditions among the elderly population of Kosovo. Our findings suggest that, in this sample of elderly people from Kosovo, the oldest-old (especially women) and the poor endure the vast majority of chronic conditions. These findings point to the urgent need to establish a social health insurance scheme including the marginalized segments of elderly people in this transitional country.
Highlights
Our aim was to assess the prevalence and demographic and socioeconomic correlates of chronic morbidity in the elderly population of transitional Kosovo
A similar prevalence of cardio-vascular diseases (CVD) has been reported among older people in the region, with a prevalence of 58% reported in Albania [21] and Serbia [20], and slightly over 50% in Macedonia [19]
Elderly people represent a valuable part of the society as they convey their wisdom and experience to future generations
Summary
The 1990–2009 period was characterized by an increase of life expectancy at birth in 165 out of 193 countries, with 29 countries having more than one fifth of their population aged over 60 years [1]. In 51 nations, individuals born in 2009 are expected to live on average more than 75 years [1]. Increased longevity does not necessarily point to good health for the extra years of life due to a Kosovo, which emerged as the newest state of Europe in 2008 after ten years under United Nations’ administration following a devastating war [3], is trying to rebuild its health system [4]. Kosovo’s population is the youngest in the region, it is facing the ageing phenomenon as the share of people aged ≥65 years increased from 4.6% in 1966
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
