Perceptions of Health Problems and Healthcare Needs of the Elderly with Respect to Culture, Beliefs, and Ways of life in the Eastern Economic Corridor zone (EEC)

Abstract

This descriptive study aimed at assessing perceptions of health problems and healthcare needs among the elderly with respect to culture, beliefs, and ways of life in the Eastern Economic Corridor. The study compared perceptions of health problems and healthcare needs among the elderly with differences in gender, age, frequency of medical treatment, and congenital diseases. The population of this study was older people who were 60 years  and older. A sample of 440 participants were recruited by the multi-stage sampling technique. The questionnaire developed by the researchers included 3 parts: general information, health problem perceptions, and healthcare needs among the elderly. Data were collected via an interview with the researchers. The statistics used were frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and independent sample t-tests.             The results showed that the majority of the sample was female (71.8%) with ages between 71-80 years old (54.8%). Most of them (68.4%) had  upper elementary education level, receiving medical treatment 1-5 times was 66.6%, with 54.4% having congenital disease. The study found a high level of perception of psychological health problems (Mean 3.61, SD=.35), and a moderate level of perception of physical and spiritual health problems (Mean 3.18, SD=.47). Their healthcare needs, which included personal factors, ways of life, and lifestyle behavior, were at the highest level (Mean 4.52 (SD=.71), Mean 4.51 (SD=.78) and Mean 4.50 (SD=.81)), respectively.  Differences in gender, age, and frequency of medical treatment significantly affectedin perceptions of health problems and healthcare needs. Differences in congenital diseases also showed a significant difference in perceptions of health problems.The researchers suggest that the findings can be used to expand the body of knowledge and innovation in transcultural nursing services for the elderly.