Unmet Needs of Healthcare Services and Associated Factors among a Cohort of Ghanaian Adults: A Nationally Stratified Cross-Sectional Study Design

Phaedra Yamson MPH; John Tetteh BPH; Daniel DeGraft-Amoah BSc; Henry Quansah Diploma; George Mensah MSc; Richard Biritwum MD; Alfred Edwin Yawson MD

doi:10.1177/00469580211028172

Inquiry: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing (Jun 2021)

Unmet Needs of Healthcare Services and Associated Factors among a Cohort of Ghanaian Adults: A Nationally Stratified Cross-Sectional Study Design

Phaedra Yamson MPH,
John Tetteh BPH,
Daniel DeGraft-Amoah BSc,
Henry Quansah Diploma,
George Mensah MSc,
Richard Biritwum MD,
Alfred Edwin Yawson MD

Affiliations

Phaedra Yamson MPH: Department of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
John Tetteh BPH: Department of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
Daniel DeGraft-Amoah BSc: Department of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
Henry Quansah Diploma: Department of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
George Mensah MSc: Department of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
Richard Biritwum MD: Department of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
Alfred Edwin Yawson MD: Department of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/00469580211028172
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 58

Abstract

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We estimated the prevalence of unmet needs of healthcare services (UNHS) and its associated factors among a cohort of older Ghanaian adults. World Health Organization (WHO) Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health for Ghana was used with a total of 4735 participants. Logistics regression analysis was performed using 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 adults aged 60 to 69 years (5.9%). Could not afford the healthcare (56.4%) was the main contender 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 needed care for joint pain (25.4%), and communicable diseases (19.1%). The inability to access healthcare was relatively higher for older adults more advanced in age, with low education, and for those without health insurance. Health system strengthening including financial protection by expanding the National Health Insurance Scheme to all Ghanaians in line with Ghana’s Universal Health Coverage Roadmap would reduce the unmet healthcare needs of older adults.

Published in Inquiry: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing

ISSN: 0046-9580 (Print); 1945-7243 (Online)
Publisher: SAGE Publishing
Country of publisher: United States
LCC subjects: Medicine: Public aspects of medicine
Website: https://journals.sagepub.com/home/inq

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