J Korean Acad Nurs.  2003 Oct;33(6):812-819.

Factors Influencing Health Care Needs of Solitude Elderly

• Lee MS

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was to identify factors that influence the health care needs of that over 65 years of age in Mokpo, Korea. METHOD: The data was collected from June 2002 to September 2002. The subjects were 120 homebound solitude elderly(age=76.8). Subjects were interviewed with structured questionnaire in order to identify the health care needs, health variables (perceived health status, risk of malnutrition, K-IADL), psychological variables(self-esteem, depression) and demographic variables. physiological health variables (height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, blood sugar)were assessed after the interview. RESULT: In general perceived health status was poor, risk of malnutrition was high, number of disease was 3 disease, self-esteem was low but depression was high and health care needs were relatively high. Among the elderly education & counseling needs topped the list. In regression analysis, health care needs were significantly influenced by IADL(23%), duration of solitudes(4%), sex(3%), and education(1%). These variables explained 31% of the variances in health care needs. CONCLUSION: The result identified that health care needs should be a considered in IADL, female, duration of solitudes and education for the solitude elderly.

Keyword

Elderly; Health care Needs