Latent growth model of predictors of health status in Korean older adults

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, we investigated the health status trajectory of Korean older adults with chronic diseases and its relationship with relevant ecological level factors. Methods: We analyzed data from the 2013 to 2015 Korea Health Panel Survey using the latent growth model. Results: Results showed that Korean older adults' health status decreased over time. Relevant ecological level factors affecting older adults' health status directly or indirectly included alcohol problems, caregiver burden, and healthcare cost burdens. The higher the initial health status was found to be, the higher the initial alcohol problem and initial caregiver burden. The higher the initial caregiver burden was found to be, the higher the initial alcohol problem and initial healthcare cost burden. Conclusions: To improve the health status of older adults with chronic diseases, interventions and health policies to reduce alcohol problem, caregiver burden, and healthcare cost burden should be developed and implemented.