ELDERLY HEALTH CARE NEEDS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN TERMS OF HEALTH INEQUALITIES

Introduction: Having proper knowledge of the healthcare needs of the elderly is crucial in order to offer qualified and effective services. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the current healthcare needs of this population, examine the factors associated with these needs, and identify any disadvantages encountered by this group. Materials and Method: This study was comprised of 7190 persons living in the community of Odemis, Turkey. The sample size of 365 participants who were each older than 64 years of age was calculated with a 95% confidence interval and 50% prevalence, along with a precision of 5% for the Odemis district. The 365 individuals in this study were then chosen via a stratified and systematic sampling method. The Community Health Intensity Rating Scale was used for determining the healthcare needs of the subjects. In addition, the participants evaluated their own perceived health status on a 100-point visual analogue scale. Results: According to the logistic regression analysis results, being at 80 years and older age, being illiterate, living alone, having a poorly perceived income level or a poorly perceived health status, and residing in inadequate housing were the risk factors for the extensive healthcare needs of the elderly. Conclusion: Healthcare delivery to the elderly should be prioritized for those who are older than 80 years of age, uneducated, and poor as well as for those who live alone in order to achieve equal healthcare service benefits.