1- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
2- Department of public health, School of public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamedan, Iran.
3- Department of public health, School of public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamedan, Iran
4- Department of Epidemiology, Rafsanjan Medical sciences university, Rafsanjan, Iran.
5- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran. , cheraghiz@ymail.com
Abstract: (663 Views)
Background and purpose: The increase in the older adult's population is a public health challenge all over the world. The present study aims to be designed and conducted as a cross-sectional study to identify the specific types of needs among the elderly population.
Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on the 501-elderly residing in western Iran (Hamadan province). Data collection process consisted of four sections, including: A Demographic Information Questionnaire, the AMT Questionnaire for identifying the absence of dementia, cognitive impairment, and the Barthel Index Questionnaire for measuring functional independence status and 4) Camberwell Assessment of Need for the Elderly. Statistical software of Stata 17 was used at 95% CI.
Results: The social dimension had the highest mean of met needs (15.15±0.98), the psychological dimension (7.66±0.93) and physical dimension (8.91±1.04) had the lowest met need. For each one-year increase in age, the scores of met needs decrease by 0.05 units (95% CI: -0.08, -0.01). Elderly with academic education had a higher score of met needs by 2.23 units (95% CI: 1.40, 3.05). Furthermore, with an increase in self-rated health score, the average met needs also increased by 1.91 units (95% confidence interval: 2.63, 1.20).
Conclusions: The study suggests that the social and physical needs of the elderly, particularly in the areas of vision and hearing, are not being adequately met. Therefore, it is essential to increase the quantity and quality of comprehensive assessments of physical and psychosocial performance of the elderly annually in an integrated elderly care program. Incorporating educational programmes in the form of self-care skill packages is necessary for improving psychosocial and physical performance, especially in the elderly with a history of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases. In order to promote healthy and dynamic aging, it is essential to identify basic and immediate needs, continuously monitor progress, improve the quality and quantity of program services, and review the elderly care program. This requires upgrading specialized and trained human resources. Finally, future studies should assess the health-related needs of all elderly residents in the community, including those in long-term care facilities.
Type of Study:
Applicable |
Subject:
gerontology Received: 2024/01/02 | Accepted: 2024/04/08