Multidimensional Social Support and Health Services Utilization Among Noninstitutionalized Older Persons in Ghana

Health and Wellbeing

  • July 2018
  • Journal Articles

This study examines multidimensional social supports as predictors of health services utilization among community-dwelling older Ghanaians. Using data from a 2016/2017 Aging, Health, Psychological Wellbeing, and Health-Seeking Behavior Study, Poisson regression models estimated the associations of aspects of informal social support and health facility utilization among older people. Findings suggest that regular contacts with family/close friends, confidence interval, social participation, and remittances from adult children were associated with increased health services utilization with some gender variations. Having caregivers increased health care use generally and among men. However, we found a decrease in health care use among those who received pecuniary assistance. Perceived structural and functional social support domains appear influential in health care utilization among older adults in Ghana. The findings underscore the need for intervention programs and social policies targeted at both micro factors and wider social factors, including the novel area of remittances to older adults.

Download

CONTRIBUTORS

Associate Research Scientist

Razak M Gyasi

Razak Gyasi Ph.D, PD, is a Social Gerontologist and Associate…

View Profile