Factors influencing the utilization of health care services by the elderly population in the divisional secretariat area of Beruwala

Abstract

A community based study was undertaken to describe factors influencing the utilization of health care services by elderly..Respondents between the age of 60-69 years of age and 80 and above years were 61 per cent and 7 per cent respectively. Males who were 40.1 per cent had a significantly higher educational level than females. Characteristics of the elders who used government allopathic treatment were comparatively young age group, secondary level education, lower economic status and a higher physical and mental health status. Private allopathic facilities allowed those with a poor physical and mental health status to utilize them