The medical activity and satisfaction of geriatric care of Mongolia residents.

Abstract

Nowadays, process of aging of population covers all countries of the world. In current conditions, an important moment is increasing medical activity of elderly population and old persons. The purpose of the study is to investigate social hygienic characteristics of medical activity and satisfaction with geriatric care of the elderly residents of Mongolia. The sociological survey of 726 residents of Mongolia older than able-bodied age, 75 out of which were in nursing homes, was carried out using specially designed questionnaire that included questions on assessing medical activity and satisfaction with geriatric care. The negative correlation was established between good assessment of one's own health and age of respondents. The study revealed that 90.9% of respondents noted presence of chronic pathology, but only 21.1% of them were registered in dispensary. In age group under 65 years, 75.8% of persons capable to serving themselves made up 75.8% and in age group 75 years and older only 48.1%. The analysis established that 50.2% of elderly and senile persons consulted geriatrician, while 48.3% of those who did not consult this specialist were unaware of its existence. The number of cases of respondents visiting geriatric doctor in place of their residence was higher in cities. The respondents who received geriatric medical care were completely satisfied with it in 52.7%. The causes of dissatisfaction with geriatric medical care in aimags (regions) were inattentive attitude of medical staff, low effectiveness of treatment and insufficient availability of free provision of medications. The identified social hygienic characteristics of medical activity and satisfaction with geriatric care of the elderly and senile residents of Mongolia should be taken into account in developing measures to improve this type of care in Mongolia.