Utilisation of community healthcare services among older adults with disabilities in Luohu district, Shenzhen: a community-based survey.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: China faces the challenge of an ageing population with disabilities. Community healthcare centres (CHCs) serve as frontline community healthcare providers for older adults with and without disabilities. Despite their significance, there is a lack of literature examining the utilisation of CHC services among older adults. This study aims to examine and compare the utilisation and satisfaction of CHC healthcare services among older adults with and without disabilities. SETTING: Data from the 2019 Community Health Diagnosis Questionnaire, which interviewed 259 older adults residing in the Luohu district of Shenzhen, were used in the current study. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants self-reported outcomes including use of CHCs, use of home health services from CHCs and satisfaction with CHCs. Five different disability types and an integrated disability variable were assessed as independent variables. Linear probability models were used to determine the relationship between disability types and outcome variables. RESULTS: Among 259 older adults aged 60 years and older, 70.66% self-identified as having a disability. No statistically significant associations were found between the use of CHCs, the use of home health services from CHCs and satisfaction with CHCs, and disability status. However, older adults with mobility and cognitive disabilities were more likely to receive home health services from CHCs. CONCLUSION: Community health promotion policies should be implemented to improve access to health services for older adults with and without disabilities. In addition, CHCs should implement effective health management plans to ensure the health needs of older adults with disabilities.