Perspectives of older person on health problem and health service utilization: A focus group study

ABSTRACT

Background: The state of well-being is generally involved happiness, autonomy, satisfying social relationships, and self-contentment. Joint pain was the most common morbidity followed by dental and chewing problem and decreased visual acuity. The community needs and perceptions about geriatric health are often ignored. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the health of geriatric patient and awareness about medical service. Objectives: The objectives of the study were (a) to assess the health of the geriatric patient and (b) to obtain a perception of elderly participants about health service. Materials and Methods: Three Focus Group Discussions with seven participants in each group were conducted at rural area of Patan after taking permission from the Institutional Ethics Committee. The principal investigator was the moderator and observer noted down the verbatim. Seven to eight questions were prepared to direct the flow of discussion. The discussion lasted from 60 to 90 m. Results: Females were seen dominant in the discussions. Majority of participants (81.0%) had at least one disease. Most of them were suffering from aches followed by loss of vision, reducing hearing ability, and loss of teeth. Preserving good mental health, staying alert, and independent were important contributors to the health of elder person. Concept of Self Help Groups was suggested for increasing social participation. Poor economic status, self-rated poor health status, and having no faith in government medicine were obstacle in health-care services utilization. Conclusion: Dependency, low social participation and loneliness, negative attitude, no respect to elderly by a family member and ignored in decision-making may adversely affect the health of elderly. There is a need for caregiver support services to improve the health of the elderly.