Examining determinants of health service utilisation among Filipino older people: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: This study was done to study, using Andersen's Behavioral Model, factors affecting health service utilisation among older Filipinos. Methods: A total of 237 older people from Marikina City, Philippines, were randomly selected and surveyed face-to-face on factors affecting health service utilisation, specifically age, civil status, educational level, employment status, sex, health insurance coverage, household income, chronic disease status and perceived health status. Results: Seventy-nine per cent had used health services in the past year (mean: 5.7 visits per year). Female sex and having a chronic disease were significantly associated with health service utilisation. The odds of using health services was 3.1 times higher for those who had a chronic disease and 2.2 times higher for female sex, assuming all other variables are held constant. Conclusion: Findings of this study support targeting men in health promotion campaigns and implementing population-based, chronic disease screening programs to improve the reach of health services among Filipino older people.