Author(s)

YuZhao Wang¹, HongBin Li², ZhiYuan Zheng³, YaYun Du⁴, ShouYing Wang^4*

Affiliation(s)

¹Wentworth Graduate College, University of York, York YO105DD, UK.

²School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China.

³Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450016, Henan, China.

⁴Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China.

Corresponding Author

ShouYing Wang

ABSTRACT

With the rapid aging of China's population, chronic diseases pose a significant threat to the health and quality of life of the elderly. This study focuses on the relationship between basic social medical insurance and healthcare-seeking behavior among elderly patients with chronic diseases in Henan Province. Conducted from January to April 2024, the cross-sectional study involved 288 elderly inpatients from five tertiary hospitals, with 268 valid questionnaires collected. Using the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) and Health Service Utilization Scale (HSUS), the study analyzed the impact of various factors on healthcare-seeking behavior.

Significant differences in healthcare-seeking behavior scores were observed based on gender, age, educational level, children status, socioeconomic characteristics, and health status. Female patients, those aged 65-74, with primary school or below and high school/vocational school education, and with children scored higher. Monthly income, employment status, type of medical insurance, and duration of chronic illness also influenced scores. However, living arrangements and types of chronic diseases had no significant impact.

Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that monthly income was negatively correlated with healthcare-seeking behavior, while satisfaction with medical insurance and social support were positively correlated. Age, educational level, children status, marital status, living arrangements, satisfaction with physical condition, participation in medical insurance, type of medical insurance, and occupation showed no significant correlations.

In conclusion, basic social medical insurance significantly influences healthcare-seeking behavior among elderly patients with chronic diseases. Monthly income, medical insurance satisfaction, and social support are crucial factors. The findings provide scientific evidence for policymakers to improve chronic disease management for the elderly.

KEYWORDS

Basic social medical insurance; Elderly patients with chronic diseases; Healthcare-seeking behavior; Social support

CITE THIS PAPER

YuZhao Wang, HongBin Li, ZhiYuan Zheng, YaYun Du, ShouYing Wang. The relationship between basic social medical insurance and healthcare-seeking behavior of elderly patients with chronic diseases. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research. 2024, 6(4): 46-54. DOI: https://doi.org/10.61784/jpmr3024.

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