Health service utilization among depressed and non-depressed older adults

Abstract

Patterns of health service utilization in older adults are influenced by predisposing, enabling, and need-related factors. This research was based upon a model of health service utilization that depicts service use in older adults to be the result of relationships between gender, depression, availability of health service providers, perceived health status and health-related needs. Secondary data analysis was conducted to examine questions relating to the study variables. A descriptive comparative study design was used. Interviews were conducted with 20 male and 64 female adults age 65 or older. Significant differences were found between depressed and non-depressed older adults on measures of perceived health status. A significant negative relationship was found between levels of depression and subjective ratings of health status. A significant positive relationship was found between female gender and need for urgent attention to health-related concerns. In addition, significant differences were found between men and women on measures of urgent care need. Health care service utilization among older adults is of growing importance in light of increasing numbers of older adults in our population. This research contributes to nursing knowledge and has important implications for the professional practice of nursing..