Predictors of Health Service Utilization Among Older Men in Jamaica

Douladel Willie-TyndaleMSc, Julian McKoy DavisMSc, Desmalee Holder-NevinsPhd, Kathryn Mitchell-FearonDrPH, Kenneth JamesMPH, Norman K WaldronMPH, Denise Eldemire-ShearerPhd and Roland J ThorpePhDDecision Editor

The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 2019, vol. 74, issue 6, 999-1006

Abstract: ObjectivesTo determine the relative influence of sociodemographic, socioeconomic, psychosocial, and health variables on health service utilization in the last 12 months.MethodsData were analyzed for 1,412 men ≥60 years old from a 2012 nationally representative community-based survey in Jamaica. Associations between six health service utilization variables and several explanatory variables were explored. Logistic regression models were used to identify independent predictors of each utilization measure and determine the strengths of associations.ResultsMore than 75% reported having health visits and blood pressure checks. Blood sugar (69.6%) and cholesterol (63.1%) checks were less common, and having a prostate check (35.1%) was the least utilized service. Adjusted models confirmed that the presence of chronic diseases and health insurance most strongly predicted utilization. A daughter or son as the main source of financial support (vs self) doubled or tripled, respectively, the odds of routine doctors’ visits. Compared with primary or lower education, tertiary education doubled [2.37 (1.12, 4.95)] the odds of a blood pressure check. Regular attendance at club/society/religious organizations’ meetings increased the odds of having a prostate check by 45%.DiscussionAlthough need and financial resources most strongly influenced health service utilization, psychosocial variables may be particularly influential for underutilized services.

Keywords: Psychosocial support; Routine health visits; Men (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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The Journals of Gerontology: Series B is currently edited by Psychological Sciences - S. Duke Han, PhD and Social Sciences - Jessica A Kelley, PhD, FGSA

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