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Unmet healthcare needs among middle-aged and older adults in China

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Matthew Prina

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Abstract

© 2021 The Author(s). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Geriatrics Society. All rights reserved. Background: Unmet healthcare needs have increasingly been recognised as an indicator of equity of healthcare access and utilisation, having the potential to capture frailty of health and social protection systems. Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of unmet healthcare needs and its correlates among middle-aged and older adults in China. Methods: This study is based on analyses of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study carried out in 2011 among Chinese adults aged 45 years and above. Multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to examine associated factors, stratified by rural or urban residence. Reasons for having unmet needs for inpatient and outpatient services were also analysed. Results: Among 14,774 participants, the prevalence of unmet healthcare needs was 13.0% (95% confidence interval 12.3-13.8%) and was higher in rural areas. The most prevalent reasons for unmet need for inpatient and outpatient care were 'not enough money' and 'illness is not serious, don't need treatment', respectively. The respondents who were unmarried, employed, had poor self-reported health, needed help with activities of daily living, reported lower life satisfaction, multiple chronic conditions and depressive symptoms had increased odds of unmet healthcare needs. Conclusion: This study suggests that unmet healthcare needs are more concentrated among people living with multiple health conditions and mental health problems in China. If universal health coverage goals and sustainable development goal 3 are to be met, it is essential that effective mechanisms for addressing unmet healthcare needs are identified.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Gao Q, Prina M, Wu Y-T, Mayston R

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Age and Ageing

Year: 2022

Volume: 51

Issue: 1

Print publication date: 01/01/2022

Online publication date: 10/12/2021

Acceptance date: 02/04/2018

ISSN (print): 0002-0729

ISSN (electronic): 1468-2834

Publisher: Oxford University Press

URL: https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afab235

DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afab235

PubMed id: 34923586


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