Abstract:

Background: The number of elderly people (people aged 60 years and above) is increasing rapidly and is expected to reach 2 billion by the year 2050. About 1.6 billion elderly are in low and middle income countries such as Tanzania. In Tanzania, the population of the elderly is expected to increase up 8.4 million by 2050. Despite this increase, the social amenities for elderly people are not in keeping with this population growth. Even in the countries where policies have provided free medical care, the use of such services by the elderly people is still very limited due to social, economic and cultural factors. This study investigated different factors affecting utilization of health care services at health facility among elderly people in Biharamulo district, Tanzania. The recommendations from this study will facilitate the advancement of effective healthcare services delivery for elderly people.

Objective of the study: To determine factors affecting utilization of healthcare services among elderly people in Biharamulo district, Kagera region.

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted using structured questionnaire to interview 204 respondents from three wards of Biharamulo district from June to July 2014. The study population was elderly people who were aged 60 years and above. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed using independent variable to determine significant factors for utilization of healthcare services at the health facilities.

Results: The study found that out of 204 respondents only 52 (25.5%) participants utilize healthcare services. Factors associated with utilization in multivariable logistic regression were; marital status (p=0.021) and perception (p=0.003).

Conclusion: The findings showed that a large proportion of respondents had a negative perception toward healthcare services delivered, and hence did not utilize the services. Also most of the respondents reported not to manage the cost of the services which lead them not to utilize the services instead; they opted to use traditional medicine or go to the pharmacies to buy drugs. There is a need to promote education to the elderly about the importance of utilizing healthcare services and to help elderly people to be aware of the procedures of getting an identification card so as to quality for free services. Emphasis should be put on helping elderly people access exemption cards so as to help them to utilize the services as most of them complain about the cost of the services.