engleski

Diferences in health status and well-being of the elderly in three Croatian districts

Background The number and proportion of elderly is increasing and their health is constantly changing. The aim of the study was to compare and analyze the differences in health status and well- being of older people from three Croatian districts and assess the impact of age, gender and living alone/not living alone on it. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed in two mainly urban (Dubrovnik, Pula) and one mainly rural district (Koprivnica). A total of 1469 persons aged 70 or more were interviewed by trained interviewers in 2006 as a part of broader study TTB Second Decennial Survey of the Health Needs and Health care for Older People in Europe. Short form health survey-36 was used to measure current health status and well-being through 8 dimensions of health. Data were analysed descriptively and non-parametric tests (Kruskal- Wallis, Mann- Whitney) were used for comparisons between districts. Results Respondents in the two urban districts had better health status in all 8 health dimensions than in the rural district (p < 0, 001). Dimensions of mental health were rated better (range 56–61%) than dimensions of physical health (42–44%). The greatest variability of measured values between districts was found for the limitation due to physical problems and bodily pain (13.5%) and the lowest for the limitation due to emotional problems (4.7%). Men rated their health better in all 8 dimensions than women (p < 0, 001) The largest variability of measured values by sex was found for the limitation due to emotional (9.9%) and physical problems (9.2%) and least in the perception of general health (3.5%). Living alone does not affect the perception of health, but men who live alone rated their health generally better than those who live with someone. Health worsens with age, but least noticed changes were in the dimensions of health that measures the mental health and general health perception. Conclusions Our study has confirmed the large differences in health status and well-being among older people, for both men and women, living in different socio- economic and cultural circumstances and therefore it should be taken into account when adopting measures to improve health, reduce inequalities in health, planning and organizing care for the elderly at the local level.

elderly; self-rated health; public health

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