Results and Discussion

Question 1

(Profile of respondents)

Table 4: Frequency and Percentage of Distribution of Respondents in terms of Profile

Answer 1

The majority of respondents were female (59.5%) and married (60.1%). Most respondents lived with 2-5 individuals (69.3%), while a small percentage lived alone (7.2%). Female older adults demonstrated greater adherence to health precautions due to their responsibility as homemakers and their concern for the well-being of their families. Women were more likely to seek and use healthcare services and were more knowledgeable about health. In terms of income, the majority of respondents earned between 1,000 and 5,000 pesos per month (39.2%), while none earned more than 10,000 pesos. The Social Pension, a government grant, supported the financial needs of senior citizens. Educational attainment showed that high school graduates constituted the majority (27.5%), with no respondents having a postgraduate degree. Higher levels of education were associated with better health outcomes and healthier behaviors among older adults.

Question 2

Pre-existing comorbidities

Table 5: Self- reported chronic comorbidities and health problems among older adults [n = 153]

Answer 2

hypertension is the most prevalent health problem among older adults, affecting 81.7% of the respondents. The second most frequent conditions are diabetes and COPD/Asthma/TB, reported by 39.9% of the respondents. Arthritis is also a significant health issue, affecting 28.8% of the respondents. Hypertension’s high prevalence in the Philippines is supported by previous studies, with a prevalence of 28% in the country. Patient adherence to hypertension treatment is low, despite the proven efficacy of antihypertensive drugs. Hypertension is the leading cause of cardiovascular death in the country, but it receives less attention in terms of awareness, treatment, compliance, and control rates. Arthritis is another common chronic disease among older adults, and more than half of arthritis patients also have hypertension. Arthritis is often overlooked or mistaken for age-related pain, and there is a belief that massage can cure it.

Question 3

Contributing Factors

Table 6: Mean Distribution of Accessibility to Health Facilities

Answer 3

The results indicate that older adults in the study have access to health facilities, but a majority of them (45.1%) initially use home remedies before seeking professional healthcare. While 32.7% prefer hospitals as their first contact for care, 19.6% have never visited one. Additionally, a significant percentage of older adults do not visit private clinics (55.6%), health centers (42.5%), or traditional healers (36.6%). Instead, self-medication, consulting spiritualists, or using herbal medicine are common practices among older adults (57.9%). Transportation to healthcare facilities is not a major issue for most older adults, with 62.7% using public transportation and 17.0% using private vehicles. However, 9.9% experience difficulties in transportation. Home remedies and self-medication are prevalent among Filipino older adults, and these practices can have adverse effects and mask serious complications. Access to healthcare facilities, particularly transportation, can be a primary barrier for older adults, especially those with low incomes. Hospital utilization is higher among older adults in metropolitan and small-town areas. Older adults initially try home remedies but seek medical attention in hospitals if symptoms worsen. The limited presence of geriatric medicine in public clinics leads to older adults seeking care in hospitals. Public transportation is accessible and supports the mobility needs of older adults.

Question 4

Table 7
Mean Distribution of Affordability of Medical Care Cost

Answer 4

The results indicate that a significant percentage of older adults (66.7%) do not use health insurance, while only 24.2% utilize its benefits. However, the majority of older adults (69.9%) make use of seniors’ discounts, and 56.2% receive support from their significant others in financing their medical needs. Lack of understanding of the healthcare system and insurance benefits, particularly among those with lower education, income, and older age, can lead to delays in seeking healthcare. Older adults with low socioeconomic status may perceive alterations in patient-provider interactions and have concerns about the cost of healthcare. Family support plays a crucial role in helping older adults with comorbidities, even if they do not live in the same household. Older adults in the Philippines are covered by the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) of PhilHealth, but they may lack information on how to process and utilize their benefits. Hesitancy to seek healthcare despite having insurance coverage can be related to socioeconomic status and concerns about additional expenses. However, older adults do take advantage of seniors’ discounts for their medication needs, and they receive financial support from their family members.

Question 5

Table 8.
Mean Distribution of Availability of Drugs

Answer 5

The majority of older adults (87.6%) believe that over-the-counter drugs are available in pharmacies, and a high percentage (92.8%) believe that maintenance drugs are always available in the market. Innovator brands of medications are more readily available in private pharmacies and are typically more expensive than generic medications. Public health systems have fewer essential medications available compared to private pharmacies, leading patients to seek care in the private sector. However, both generic and innovator pharmaceuticals are consistently available in local pharmacies for older adults. The combination of medication availability and the senior citizen discount allows older adults to purchase medicine at a reasonable cost, facilitating their adherence to their medication regimen.

Question 6

Table 9.
Mean Distribution of Quality of Medical Care

Answer 6

In terms of the quality of medical care, a significant percentage of older adults utilize monitoring of blood pressure at the health center (43.1%) and receive free maintenance drugs (35.9%). However, there are some gaps in service utilization, with a notable proportion not monitoring their blood pressure (10.5%) and not using free blood sugar testing (37.9%). Some respondents reported not utilizing free consultations due to the unavailability of healthcare professionals during their visits (33.3%). The majority of older adults perceive healthcare workers to have a good attitude (70.6%). The availability and accessibility of monitoring services are crucial for older adults’ motivation to maintain their health. The provision of free blood pressure monitoring and blood sugar tests in healthcare facilities, particularly in health centers, is important for managing hypertension and diabetes among older adults. The perception of available services influences older adults’ involvement in monitoring their health conditions. The overall perception of the quality of medical care among surveyed older adults is satisfactory, with positive attitudes towards healthcare workers.

Question 7

Table 10.
Summary of Means for Contributing Factors

Answer 7

The findings indicate that older adults in selected barangays of Butuan City OFTEN have access to health facilities, can afford medical care costs, and experience quality care. They also report that there are ALWAYS available maintenance and over-the-counter drugs when purchasing medicines. However, there are barriers to accessing health care, such as the unavailability of physicians or health care professionals during visits, leading some older adults to rarely utilize free consultations. Lack of insurance coverage and understanding of the healthcare system may also impact health-seeking behavior. Despite positive responses overall, improvements in healthcare provision and addressing healthcare disparities are still necessary to meet individual health needs and ensure equal opportunities for quality care among older adults.

Question 8

Table 11
Mean Distribution of Perceived Susceptibility

Answer 8

The findings indicate that older adults have a strong perception of their susceptibility to health problems based on their behaviors. The majority of respondents strongly agree that not following prescribed treatment regimens, consuming high-calorie and high-preservative foods, engaging in vices like alcohol and tobacco, and lacking physical activity can worsen their health conditions. This awareness of susceptibility may be influenced by media and other sources of information. However, there is a lower level of agreement regarding the risk associated with eating high-calorie and high-preservative foods, possibly due to a lack of awareness of the negative effects of additives. Overall, the perceived susceptibility of older adults is deemed sufficient for promoting behavioral changes to maintain better health.

Question 9

Table 12
Mean Distribution of Perceived Severity

Answer 9

The findings indicate that older adults have a strong perception of the severity of their health conditions and the potential consequences if not managed properly. The majority of respondents strongly agree that their health condition can lead to irreversible complications and can cause major effects on their lives and the lives of their families. Additionally, a significant percentage of respondents believe that their health condition can cause difficulty in carrying out daily activities, more health problems in the future, and even death. These perceptions are based on their own observations of their health and the health of others. The awareness of the potential severity of their health conditions motivates older adults to prioritize proper treatment and management. However, it is also noted that some older adults may have lower expectations about their health as they age and may not prioritize seeking medical attention for age-related health issues.

Question 10

Table 13
Mean Distribution of Perceived Barriers

Answer 10

The findings suggest that older adults perceive several barriers that hinder their health-seeking behaviors. The majority of respondents strongly agree that difficulties arise in managing their health conditions when there is a lack of financial resources to buy medicines and a lack of support from friends and family. While a significant percentage agree that there is a lack of awareness in government-planned programs for older adults, indicating potential challenges in accessing relevant healthcare resources. Additionally, a considerable number of respondents strongly agree that aging and a lack of knowledge about their health conditions make it harder for them to manage their health problems.

Financial literacy is identified as a critical aspect requiring attention, as older adults may face financial difficulties in planning and managing their healthcare needs. However, the satisfaction with financial and emotional support from family seems to be relatively high among respondents. Access to government-planned programs may be limited due to poor coordination of services and a lack of information, indicating unmet care needs among older adults. The gradual loss of physiological processes associated with aging is recognized as a barrier affecting their ability to manage health conditions. Lack of knowledge about health conditions is highlighted as a significant barrier, influencing health-seeking behaviors.

Overall, older adults perceive these barriers as significant factors that can hinder their ability to seek and access appropriate healthcare services. Limited knowledge and understanding of their health conditions, as well as financial constraints, are particularly impactful barriers. The perception of these barriers highlights the importance of addressing knowledge gaps, improving financial support, and enhancing access to healthcare resources for older adults.

Question 11

Table 14
Mean Distribution of Perceived Self-efficacy

Answer 11

The findings indicate that older adults have a strong sense of perceived self-efficacy when it comes to managing their health conditions. The majority of respondents believe they are capable of following preventive and management instructions for their disease. They also express confidence in their ability to make healthier food choices, prioritize their health over unhealthy food consumption, engage in regular physical activity, and participate in health promotion and disease prevention activities easily.

The results suggest that older adults are generally compliant with recommended guidelines for disease management. They are more likely to consume healthier diets, such as fruits and vegetables, which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer mortality. Regular exercise is seen as beneficial for older adults’ health, improving cardiovascular function and overall well-being. Health promotion in home care settings can empower older adults to take charge of their own health and make informed decisions about their care.

Overall, the majority of older adults perceive themselves as self-efficient in managing their health conditions. They have a sense of control over their health-related actions, including following prescribed treatments, adhering to dietary recommendations, taking medications, and avoiding prohibited substances. This self-efficacy plays a crucial role in influencing their health behavior changes and their ability to overcome barriers and setbacks. Most older adults prioritize their health and incorporate physical activity into their daily routines, indicating a consistent commitment to maintaining their well-being.

Question 12

Table 15
Mean Distribution of Perceived Benefits

Answer 12

The findings show that the majority of respondents recognize the perceived benefits of certain health behaviors. They agree that maintaining a nutritious diet is beneficial for their health, with a high percentage agreeing to this perception. Engaging in moderate physical activity is strongly agreed upon by more than half of the respondents. There is also a strong agreement among participants that avoiding vices like smoking and alcohol consumption is beneficial for their health.

Research supports these perceptions, indicating that improving diet can enhance mental health, delay disability onset, and reduce chronic illness among older adults. Physical exercise improves quality of life, physical function, and reduces falls in older adults with health conditions. Quitting smoking can increase life expectancy and decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke. Avoiding alcohol consumption helps prevent medication side effects and drug toxicity.

The respondents mention that they perceive fruits and vegetables as more affordable and modify their diets based on their health conditions, prioritizing vegetables, especially for those with hypertension and diabetes. They understand the importance of regular physical activity to maintain energy and prevent further deterioration of their health. While some respondents may still engage in smoking or alcohol consumption occasionally, they are aware of the negative consequences. Regular check-ups with healthcare providers are seen as beneficial for staying on track with their conditions and receiving guidance on disease management.

Question 13

Table 16
Mean Distribution of Cues to Action

Answer 13

The findings show that different cues to action influence the behavior change of older adults. The majority of respondents strongly agreed that information from TV, radio, and electronic sources helps them take action towards their health problems. Advice from family and friends is also seen as beneficial, although the level of agreement is slightly lower. Community health events and wellness programs are considered helpful by more than half of the respondents. Health warnings on cigarette packs are perceived as beneficial by a significant portion of the participants.

In comparison to other studies, older adults seek health information from various sources, including healthcare providers, the internet, family, peers, and alternative medicine. They rely on these sources to validate knowledge, analyze the quality of information, and gain a better understanding of their health issues. Filipino older adults often confide in family members, close friends, spiritual guides, or alternative medicine practitioners. Additionally, studies in Ghana and India highlight the influence of radio advertisements and traditional media, such as posters and leaflets, on health-related decisions.

In this study, information brochures about health promotion were perceived as ineffective, possibly due to a lack of distribution or awareness among the respondents. TV and radio were mentioned as significant sources of health information, particularly through news updates and programs discussing proper health management. Friends and family played a crucial role in influencing the respondents’ compliance with healthy diet and lifestyle. Community events were seen as opportunities to interact with other older adults and stay updated on government health services. The informative nature of health warnings on cigarette packs, including pictures of smoking-related outcomes, captured the respondents’ interest and encouraged further reading.

To summarize, older adults find cues to action from various sources, including media (TV, radio, internet), advice from friends and family, community events, and health warnings. These cues play a role in motivating behavior change and influencing their health decisions.

Question 14

Table 17
Summary of Means for Health Perceptions

Answer 14

The study findings indicate that older adults strongly agree with their health perceptions, including perceived susceptibility, severity, barriers, efficacy, benefits, and cues to action. They believe they are likely to be affected by diseases, are willing to change habits based on the severity of their condition, face barriers to pursuing healthy practices, have confidence in their ability to make a difference in their health, perceive benefits in engaging in beneficial activities, and are influenced by events, people, and things in changing their behavior.

Supporting studies emphasize the importance of physical activity, nutrition, and adopting a healthy lifestyle in older adults. The prevalence of chronic diseases highlights the need for healthy habits to improve quality of life and reduce disease risks. Income level and financial support impact healthcare service utilization. Self-efficacy is linked to improved self-care and positive perceptions of healthy aging. Barriers, such as lack of awareness and financial insecurity, hinder health-seeking behavior. The majority of older adults feel a sense of control over their health and prioritize following prescribed treatments. Diet modifications are common among those with specific health conditions.

In summary, older adults show a strong awareness of their health conditions and are motivated to take action based on their perceptions of susceptibility, severity, benefits, and self-efficacy. Barriers, financial concerns, and lack of awareness can hinder their health-seeking behavior. They rely on various sources of information and cues to action to manage their health effectively.

Question 15

Health-Seeking Behaviors

Table 18
Mean Distribution of Behavioral Characteristics

Answer 15

The majority of older adults in the study never used tobacco, with a significant percentage abstaining from smoking. Similarly, a considerable proportion of them rarely consumed alcohol. Most older adults included fruits and vegetables in their diet, indicating a healthy eating habit. Additionally, nearly half of the participants engaged in at least 20 minutes of physical activity daily. The behavioral characteristics of older adults resulted in a positive mean gap.

Supporting studies show that smoking prevalence is lower among older adults, and social support from family members can aid in adopting healthier behaviors such as smoking cessation. Older adults tend to consume more fruits and vegetables on average due to age-related metabolic changes. Engaging in activities of daily living, such as household chores and walking, is considered exercise for Filipino older adults.

The positive behavioral characteristics observed among older adults can be attributed to the social support they receive from their families. Having a supportive network influences their behaviors and habits. The strong agreement on the influence of advice from family and friends further reinforces the impact of social support on older adults’ behaviors.

Question 16

Table 19
Mean Distribution of Health Service Utilization

Answer 16

The majority of older adults often visited the barangay health center for check-ups and frequently sought emergency care at hospitals. However, a significant percentage of them were never admitted for inpatient care related to comorbidities. The majority of older adults regularly purchased maintenance medications, while a substantial portion purchased over-the-counter medications. The mean gap indicated positive health service utilization.

The distribution of free drugs for hypertension and diabetes at barangay health centers was well-received by older adults with chronic diseases. However, a lack of health services in the community may lead to increased emergency department visits. Older adults utilized health services more frequently when physicians were available in their area. When illness severity worsened, older adults with comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes were more likely to be admitted to the hospital. Older adults commonly use multiple prescription drugs, with almost 90% routinely using at least one prescription drug.

In the selected barangays of Butuan City, older adults often visited the barangay health center for check-ups and preferred hospitals for emergency care. The availability of services, such as free consultation and laboratory tests, influenced their choice. Admissions for inpatient care related to comorbidities were low, possibly due to manageable conditions and adherence to maintenance medications. Older adults in the study preferred self-medication and home remedies before seeking professional help, which could explain the infrequent admissions for inpatient care.

In summary, older adults in the study utilized health services by frequently visiting the barangay health center and hospitals for emergencies. However, hospital visits were more preferred. Admissions for inpatient care were limited, likely due to manageable conditions and adherence to maintenance medications. The availability of medications and the preference for self-medication also influenced their utilization of health services.

Question 17

Table 20
Summary of Means for Health-Seeking Behaviors

Answer 17

The majority of respondents reported practicing these behaviors “often,” with a mean of 2.56 for behavioral characteristics and 2.40 for health service utilization. The overall grand mean for both categories was 2.48.

Older adults in the study followed some preventive measures but lacked complete information about the associated risks and reasons behind them. Socially active older adults tended to exhibit beneficial behaviors such as exercise, a healthy diet, and sufficient sleep, which can reduce mortality from cardiovascular disease. Factors such as individual characteristics and social support influenced older adults’ health information-seeking behavior.

Older adults often self-evaluated their health when experiencing symptoms, resulting in delays in seeking professional help. Many undervalued the severity of their conditions and preferred to wait or self-manage with informal support. Barriers to improving the healthcare system included a shortage of healthcare professionals and inadequate funding.

The findings showed that the majority of older adults in the study practiced healthy behaviors and frequently utilized healthcare services. Fruit and vegetable consumption stood out, with 94 out of 153 respondents always including them in their diet. Older adults preferred visiting hospitals for consultations due to limited availability at the barangay health center. Their preference for self-medication and home remedies also influenced their utilization of health services.

In summary, older adults in the study exhibited positive health-seeking behaviors and frequently utilized healthcare services. Fruit and vegetable intake was a notable behavior, and accessibility and perceived benefits contributed to their consistent consumption. The availability of services influenced their preference for hospitals over the barangay health center. Their inclination towards self-medication and home remedies also impacted their use of healthcare services.

Question 18

Relationship between Variables

Table 21
Relationship between Sex and Health-Seeking Behaviors

Answer 18

The results indicated that there was no significant association between sex and these factors (p-values of 0.055 and 0.656, respectively). This suggests that gender does not play a significant role in influencing the behaviors and healthcare utilization patterns of older adults in the study.

The findings are consistent with a similar study that also found no significant association between gender and health-seeking behaviors. However, it differs from a study conducted in Assam, India, where older adult men were more likely to seek healthcare compared to females. These differences may be attributed to variations in sample sizes, geographic locations, and healthcare availability.

Other factors such as socioeconomic status, education level, and access to healthcare may have a stronger influence on health-seeking behaviors than gender alone. It is important to recognize the complexity of these behaviors, which can be influenced by personal beliefs, cultural norms, and previous experiences with healthcare services. Gender alone may not be a determining factor in older adults’ decision to seek healthcare.

Question 19

Table 22
Relationship between Civil Status and Health-Seeking Behaviors

Answer 19

Table 13 examined the relationship between marital status and behavioral characteristics and healthcare utilization among older adults. The results showed no significant difference between being married, separated, single, or widowed in terms of behavioral characteristics (p = 0.656). This suggests that marital status alone does not significantly influence the health-seeking behaviors of older adults in the study.

These findings align with a previous study that also found no association between marital status and health-seeking behaviors among older adults. However, there are contrasting results from another study indicating a significant relationship between marital status and health-seeking behavior, particularly for unmarried and widowed individuals.

Possible explanations for these results include the influence of other factors such as health beliefs, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare services, which may have a stronger impact on health-seeking behaviors than marital status alone. Additionally, health-seeking behaviors are complex and influenced by various individual, social, and cultural factors. Marital status is just one aspect of a person’s life circumstances and may not be the sole determinant of their healthcare decisions.

In summary, marital status alone may not significantly affect the health-seeking behaviors of older adults, as other factors play a more substantial role in influencing their healthcare utilization.

Question 20

Table 23
Relationship between Salary and Health-Seeking Behaviors

Answer 20

The study examined the relationship between monthly income and behavioral characteristics among older adults. The analysis found no significant relationship between income and behavioral characteristics, suggesting that income does not significantly impact the behavior of older adults in the study. However, there was a significant relationship between financial capabilities and healthcare utilization, indicating that the financial resources of older adults play a crucial role in their use of healthcare services.

Other studies support these findings, showing that older adults with lower incomes are more likely to have unmet healthcare needs, while those with sufficient income engage in more health-related activities. Financial problems act as a barrier to accessing healthcare services, leading to higher health demands but lower utilization among older adults.

Although income may not directly influence behavioral choices, factors like personal beliefs, knowledge, and social support may have a stronger influence. However, income plays a critical role in accessing healthcare services. The findings highlight the need for addressing financial barriers in healthcare policies and interventions for older adults, including improved financial support systems and equitable access to healthcare services regardless of income level.

Question 21

Table 24
Relationship between Educational Attainment and HealthSeeking Behaviors

Answer 21

Table shows that there is no significant relationship between educational attainment and behavioral characteristics like physical activity, smoking, healthy food consumption, and alcohol consumption. However, there is a significant correlation between educational attainment and healthcare utilization, indicating that higher education is associated with increased access to healthcare services.

Research by Mou et al. supports these findings, showing that higher education provides better access to health information and resources. However, not all individuals with higher education actively engage in health-seeking behaviors due to mistrust in rules and regulations. Educational attainment may not directly correlate with behavioral characteristics, as older adults seek health information from various sources to broaden their knowledge and validate their behavior.

Having a higher level of education is linked to improved health literacy, empowering older adults to seek prompt medical care when needed. Education enhances reading, writing, and critical thinking skills, allowing individuals to navigate healthcare systems and make informed decisions about their health. However, education is not significantly correlated with behavioral characteristics, as health promotion and disease prevention behaviors are widely known to the public.

To maximize healthcare utilization among older adults, comprehensive health education can be provided to address educational limitations and promote health literacy. This can bridge the gap and empower older adults to make informed choices regarding their healthcare.

Question 22

Table 25
Correlation Matrix on Pre-existing Comorbidities and Behavioral Characteristics

Answer 22

Table 16 in the study examined the relationship between chronic morbidities and behavioral characteristics among older adults. The results showed that diabetes and hypertension had a significant relationship with behavioral characteristics, while COPD/Asthma/TB and arthritis did not reach statistical significance.

Individuals who underestimate their risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) are less likely to modify their health-related behaviors, leading to non-compliance with medication and inadequate disease management. However, older adults with diabetes showed desirable behaviors in terms of managing their disease, including a healthy diet and medication compliance. Similarly, older adults with hypertension engaged in self-care behaviors like diet modification, physical activity, and medication adherence.

Hypertension and diabetes were prevalent comorbidities among older adults, and they had a significant relationship with health-seeking behaviors, such as smoking cessation, reduced alcohol consumption, increased fruit and vegetable intake, and physical activity. On the other hand, COPD/Asthma/TB and arthritis had a lower prevalence and were not significantly related to behavioral characteristics in the studied population.

Social support and information from family members played a role in influencing the behaviors of older adults. Living with family members who had knowledge about common diseases like hypertension and diabetes influenced the actions and behaviors of older adults.

In summary, diabetes and hypertension were found to be significantly related to behavioral characteristics among older adults, indicating the importance of disease management behaviors. COPD/Asthma/TB and arthritis did not show a significant relationship with behavioral characteristics. Social support and information from family members were influential factors in shaping the behaviors of older adults.

Question 23

Table 26
Correlation Matrix on Pre-existing Comorbidities and Health Service Utilization

Answer 23

there is no significant difference between chronic comorbidities and healthcare utilization among older adults. The p-values did not reach the desired level of significance (p<0.05), indicating that respondents utilized healthcare services at a relatively low level over the past six months.

This finding aligns with previous research showing that older individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds have insufficient utilization of healthcare services, mainly due to financial constraints. Lack of health insurance, limited knowledge about their health conditions, and lack of information about available health services were reported as factors affecting healthcare utilization among the respondents.

The low utilization of healthcare services among older adults with chronic comorbidities suggests a need for interventions to address financial barriers, improve health literacy, and increase awareness of available healthcare services. Lack of health insurance and concerns about the cost of services contribute to hesitancy in seeking necessary healthcare.

Question 24

Table 27
Correlation Matrix on Contributing Factors and Health Service Utilization

Answer 24

Table shows the relationship between different contributing factors and health service utilization among older adults. The results indicate the following:

Accessibility to health facilities: There is a statistically significant positive correlation between accessibility to health facilities and health service utilization. As accessibility improves, older adults are more likely to utilize health services.

Affordability of medical care cost: There is a statistically significant positive correlation between the affordability of medical care cost and health service utilization. As medical care becomes more affordable, older adults are more inclined to utilize health services.

Quality of medical care: There is a statistically significant positive correlation between the quality of medical care and health service utilization. Higher quality care is associated with increased utilization of health services.

Availability of drugs: Although there is a positive relationship between the availability of drugs and health service utilization, it is not statistically significant. The correlation between these factors is not strong enough to reach statistical significance.

The accessibility and affordability of healthcare, as well as the quality of medical care, significantly influence the utilization of health services among older adults. Logistical factors such as transportation can act as barriers to accessing healthcare. Poor understanding of health insurance benefits and financial limitations also affect health service utilization. The availability of drugs does not directly impact utilization according to the respondents, as they reported easy access to medications. The attitude and treatment of healthcare workers play a role in the decision to seek health services.

Overall, improving accessibility, affordability, and quality of healthcare can positively impact the utilization of health services by older adults.

Question 25

Table 28
Correlation Matrix on Health Perceptions and Behavioral Characteristics

Answer 25

Table shows significant positive correlations between health perceptions and behavioral characteristics among older adults. The key findings are as follows:

Perceived susceptibility: Older adults who perceive themselves as susceptible to developing illnesses are more likely to engage in preventive behaviors.

Perceived severity: Recognizing the seriousness of a disease motivates older adults to adopt health behaviors to prevent health problems.

Perceived barriers: Perceived barriers such as inconvenience, expense, and potential dangers can hinder older adults from engaging in health-seeking behaviors.

Self-efficacy: Higher levels of self-efficacy, or confidence in one’s ability to perform health-seeking behaviors, are associated with positive behavioral characteristics.

Perceived benefits: Recognizing the benefits of engaging in health-seeking behaviors motivates older adults to adopt positive behavioral characteristics.

Cues to action: External cues or prompts from the environment can initiate health-seeking behaviors among older adults.

These findings suggest that how older adults perceive their health, including their susceptibility to illness, the severity of the disease, barriers they face, and their confidence in their abilities, influences their health-related behaviors. Recognizing the benefits of health-seeking behaviors and receiving cues from the environment also play a role in shaping their behaviors.