INFLUENCING FACTORS OF HEALTH SERVICES UTILIZATION AMONG THE ELDERLY IN GUANGXI, CHINA: EVIDENCE FROM CHARLS 2020

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to analyze factors influencing health services utilization among the elderly in Guangxi, China, using the Andersen model. Given Guangxi's aging population and limited healthcare resources, understanding these factors can inform policies to improve healthcare access for the elderly. Method: Data were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2020, including 390 individuals aged 60 and above. Health services utilization was categorized into outpatient and inpatient services utilization. Independent variables were selected based on the Andersen model, covering predisposing, enabling, and need characteristics. Statistical analyses included χ² tests, rank-sum tests, and logistic regression models. Result: Univariate analysis showed statistically significant difference between outpatient services utilization and educational level, smoking, self-rated health (SRH), chronic disease, and pain (p < 0.05). Inpatient services utilization was statistically significant difference with age, educational level, working status, physical activity, smoking, pension insurance, SRH, chronic disease, pain, and fall (p < 0.05). Logistic regression confirmed that pain and poorer SRH significantly influenced outpatient services utilization, while age, smoking cessation, pension insurance, chronic disease, and poorer SRH significantly influenced inpatient services utilization (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study highlights the critical role of need characteristics, particularly SRH and chronic diseases, in predicting health services utilization. Policy efforts in Guangxi should prioritize improving chronic disease management, expanding pension insurance coverage, and promoting health awareness to enhance healthcare access and extend healthy lifespans among the elderly.