Economic Problems and Loneliness as Factors Related to Subjective Unmet Health Needs in People with Chronic Diseases and Dependency

Olga María López-Entrambasaguas, José Manuel Martínez-Linares, Miguel Sola-García, Carmen García-Redecillas and Ana María Díaz-Meco-Niño
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Olga María López-Entrambasaguas: Department of Nursing, Universidad de Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain
José Manuel Martínez-Linares: Department of Nursing, Universidad de Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain
Miguel Sola-García: Complejo Hospitalario de Jaén, Servicio Andaluz de Salud, 23007 Jaén, Spain
Carmen García-Redecillas: Complejo Hospitalario de Jaén, Servicio Andaluz de Salud, 23007 Jaén, Spain
Ana María Díaz-Meco-Niño: Complejo Hospitalario de Jaén, Servicio Andaluz de Salud, 23007 Jaén, Spain

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 8, 1-15

Abstract: Background: The continuous increase of people with chronic diseases is one of the greatest challenges for healthcare systems worldwide. Population growth and life expectancy means that an increasing number of people with chronic diseases and dependency need some kind of assistance to meet their needs. Determining these subjective unmet needs helps to understand the situation of these people. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of chronic patients over 65 years of age from the day-care center toward subjective health needs that are not being met by the socio-health system. Methods: Qualitative exploratory-descriptive study. Through convenience sampling, we selected people with chronic diseases and dependency who used day-care centers and met the inclusion criteria. Focus groups were performed. The data were transcribed and a thematic analysis was carried out using Atlas.ti software. Results: The topics resulting from the analysis were classified into dissatisfaction of biological/physiological needs, psychological needs, social needs, and other issues that arose in both groups of participants which referred to the types of needs previously indicated. The issues related to social and psycho-social needs stood out. Conclusions: People with chronic diseases and dependency have their physiological needs covered with the help they receive, but their situation of dependency generates additional costs that worsen their economic situation. However, their greatest need is due to the loneliness they feel and the feeling they have of “being a burden” on their families.

Keywords: needs assessment; disabled persons; qualitative research; chronic disease; home nursing; vulnerable population (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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