The use of primary care services among senior citizens with somatic illnesses in rural areas of Norway - One year follow up
Year: 2014
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Bacground: Few studies are published focusing on older people, their health, functioning \nand use of primary health services in different areas of Norway. \nPurpose: To investigate use of primary health services in a rural area, explained by \nmunicipality belonging, adjusted for socio-demographic variables, degree of morbidity, \nlevel of functioning and mental health among somatic ill senior citizens. \nMaterial and methods: In a cross sectional study 484 hospitalized patients (≥ 65 year) \nwere included, of whom 451 (226 women) participated in a year follow up, registering use \nof primary health care (the outcome). Estimated unit health services costs by SINTEF \nHealth Research were used in the mean cost calculation. The risk of using more primary \nhealth care than the mean cost pr. patient (or not) compared to the reference municipality,\nwas analyzed by logistic regression. The independent variables were assessed by MiniMental State Examination, Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, Lawton and Brody's\nscales of self-maintaining and instrumental activities and Charlson Comorbidity Index.\nResults: The risk of nursing home service use above mean cost pr. patient was \nsignificantly less for the participants in Rendalen (OR 0.23, 95% CI = 0.08-0.63), Folldal \n(OR 0.25, 95%CI 0.07-0.89) and Røros (OR 0.25, 95% CI = 0.10-0.60) compared to \nTynset. No significant association in municipality belonging and in-home nursing or \nGeneral Practitioner costs were found. Compared to Tynset, the odds for using more than \nmean total health costs was significantly reduced in Rendalen (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.13-0.74), Folldal (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.12- 1.00) and Tolga (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.07- 0.68).\nConclusion: The cost of nursing home service and total health care service pr patient \nvaried in the municipalities of residence among recently hospitalized senior citizens in a \nrural area. Even if it was adjusted for age, gender and health, functional and social \nvariables, confounding factors may exist, making further research necessary. \nRelevance\nThe society is facing an aging population in need of customized and effective health \nservices. Factors possibly associated with differences in use and provided health care as \nrequired among older people should be identified and studied.
Source: BIBSYS Brage (BIBSYS (Norway))
Author: Randi Helene Skancke
Language: English
Subfield: Geriatrics and Gerontology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2467190911