Work

The Impact of Unmet Healthcare Needs on the Perceived Health Status of Older Europeans During COVID-19

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives: To examine how unmet healthcare needs and the exposure to the pandemic impacted self-reported health (SRH) among individuals aged 50 and above. Methods: = 42,854). Three dimensions of barriers to healthcare access were investigated: healthcare forgone, postponed, and denied. Mixed-effects logistic regression analysis was employed to explore SRH deterioration during the pandemic. Results: Findings indicate that unmet healthcare needs decreased throughout the pandemic but significantly contributed to the worsening of SRH among older adults. Mild or severe exposure to the pandemic heightened the likelihood of reporting deteriorated SRH. Additionally, the pandemic disproportionately affected females, the oldest-old, and those living alone or facing economic vulnerability. Conclusion: To mitigate the adverse effects on the health status of older adults, policymakers are strongly advised to prioritize addressing the healthcare needs of those who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

Source: International Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2024.1607336

Authors: Šime Smolić, Nikola Blaževski, Margareta Fabijančić

Institutions: University of Zagreb, Ekonomski fakultet - Zagreb

Language: English

Topic: COVID-19 and healthcare impacts

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,614