Factors associated with the utilization of community-based health services among older adults in China—an empirical study based on Anderson’s health behavior model

Abstract

Taking the modified Anderson health behavior model as the analysis framework and relying on 1136 empirical research data of S District in Foshan City, Guangdong Province of China, this study explores the influence of predisposing factors, enabling factors and need factors on the utilization of community-based health services among older adults in China. The results show that three variables have a significant impact on the use of family health services, which are whether the pension is the main source of living, income surplus, and major expenditure items. Seven variables have a significant impact on the use of preventive health services, which are household registration type, the basic endowment insurance coverage, the nature of the working unit before retirement, the self-rated health status, chronic diseases, self-care ability in daily life, and preventive health care needs.

Determinants of province-based health service utilization according to Andersen’ s Behavioral Model: a population-based spatial panel modeling study

“…[ 10 , 11 ]. Furthermore, the utilization of health services has been influenced by age, gender, education, as well as race/ethnicity [ 8 , 12 – 15 ]. When the different needs of individuals are not taken into account, inequity might happen [ 16 ].…”

“…However, Andersen's theoretical model is one of the conventionally used models to explain service utilization. Andersen's health service utilization model was developed in western countries and has been extensively tested in various countries [ 15 , 21 , 22 ]. It is a theoretical framework that has been tested by many scholars to explain the determinants of health service use, taking into account individual and societal determinants [ 21 ].…”

“…Previous scholars in various countries have used the Andersen’ s Behavioral Model (hereinafter referred to as Anderson Model) to explore the impact of various factors on the utilization of health services [ 14 , 15 , 24 – 27 ]. According to their research findings, need factors (e.g.…”

Evaluating the Risk of Social Isolation in Older People: AHP-Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation

“…Older people are more likely to experience social isolation due to physical functional limitations that make it difficult for them to participate in social activities, a lack of access to reliable transportation, the burden of greater physical and psychological pain, and the loss of formal social roles and meaningful interpersonal connections. 4 Numerous studies have shown the significant relationship between older people's social networks and health-related quality of life. 5 Individuals who are socially isolated have been proven to have a higher chance of acquiring heart disease, stroke, depression, dementia, and early mortality.…”

“…Secondly, the government should further improve the classification of the older people's health status and economic income evaluation mechanism, formulate detailed and reasonable service subsidy standards, 4 and provide appropriate subsidies for the purchase of health and nursing services for low-income older people who live in economically backward areas or rural areas and do have a demand for health and nursing care services and lack financial capacity. When the financial situation of older people is problematic, they gradually reduce their interaction with the outside world and shrink their social network.…”