A study on the health service demands and influence factors among elderly people based on a community survey in Western China†

Abstract

Objective To investigate the health service demands and to analyze influencing factors among elderly people based on a community survey in Guilin, China. Methods A random sampling was used to investigate 366 elderly people in a community using a Health-Care-Needs questionnaire, which was designed by The Western Nursing Alliance research team in China. This survey was used to understand the basic situation, financial condition, health condition, self-care abilities, pension plan, and care services demands of the elderly residing at home. Additionally, this article analyzed the influencing factors contributing to the obtained results. Results The top 3 nursing needs were security needs (1.61 ± 0.45 points), health education needs (1.54 ± 0.57 points), and respect and self-development needs (1.13 ± 0.64 points). Logistic multifactor regression analysis showed that gender, monthly income, lack of exercise, activities of daily living (ADL) scores, methods of medical payment, and pension plan were independent factors affecting elderly nursing needs. Conclusions The home-based health services supply for elders did not meet their needs. Therefore, a comprehensive approach considering multifactors such as gender, income, exercise, self-care ability, medical expense payments, and supporting preferences should be considered to address the complex needs of health care.