Unmet Needs of Healthcare Services and Associated Factors among aCohort of Ghanaian Adults: A Nationally Stratified Cross-Sectional StudyDesign

摘要

We estimated the prevalence of unmet needs of healthcare services (UNHS) and itsassociated factors among a cohort of older Ghanaian adults. World HealthOrganization (WHO) Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health for Ghana was usedwith a total of 4735 participants. Logistics regression analysis was performedusing Stata 16 to assess associated factors. The overall UNHS was 3.7% (95%CI = 2.7-4.8) and the prevalence was significantly high amongst older adultsaged 60 to 69 years (5.9%). Could not afford the healthcare (56.4%) was the maincontender for UNHS. UNHS was influenced by; those aged 60 to 69 years [OR (95%CI) = 1.86 (1.19-2.91)]; no formal educational [aOR (95% CI) = 4.71(1.27-17.38)], and no NHIS [OR (95% CI) = 1.78 (1.03-3.09)]. Participants neededcare for joint pain (25.4%), and communicable diseases (19.1%). The inability toaccess healthcare was relatively higher for older adults more advanced in age,with low education, and for those without health insurance. Health systemstrengthening including financial protection by expanding the National HealthInsurance Scheme to all Ghanaians in line with Ghana’s Universal Health CoverageRoadmap would reduce the unmet healthcare needs of older adults.