Investigators at Taipei Medical University Report Findings in Chronic Disease (Effects of self-care behaviors on medical utilization of the elderly…

Investigators at Taipei Medical University Report Findings in Chronic Disease (Effects of self-care behaviors on medical utilization of the elderly with chronic diseases - A representative sample study)

By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Health & Medicine Week -- Investigators publish new report on Disease Attributes. According to news reporting originating in Taipei, Taiwan, by NewsRx journalists, research stated, "Research indicates that self-care affects lifestyle and health behaviors; however, little is known about whether or not self-care affects medical utilization. Exploring the effects on self-care behaviors to medical utilizations by elderly with chronic conditions."

The news reporters obtained a quote from the research from Taipei Medical University, "Data from the Taiwanese National Survey of Health and Living Status of Older Adults and the National Health Insurance claim databases in 2007 were used. Indicators of self-care were disease management behavior and self-care confidence of the elderly. We considered hospital admissions, emergency room services, and avoidable hospitalizations as representing utilization of medical services. In total, 2531 cases were recruited. After controlling for demographic factors and health status, a logistic regression showed that higher self-care confidence and beginning an exercise program decreased avoidable hospitalizations. Furthermore, beginning an exercise program decreased hospital admissions and also decreased utilization of emergency services. Self-care behavior and confidence decreased avoidable hospitalization, hospital admission and emergency services."

According to the news reporters, the research concluded: "More research is needed to identify the interaction between self-care literacy, self-care behavior and health services that may clarify the effective means and provide appropriate intervention programs."

For more information on this research see: Effects of self-care behaviors on medical utilization of the elderly with chronic diseases - A representative sample study. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 2015;60(3):478-485. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics can be contacted at: Elsevier Ireland Ltd, Elsevier House, Brookvale Plaza, East Park Shannon, Co, Clare, 00000, Ireland. (Elsevier - www.elsevier.com; Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics - www.elsevier.com/wps/product/cws_home/506044)

Our news correspondents report that additional information may be obtained by contacting I.H. Chen, Taipei Medical University, Coll Nursing, Master Program Long Term Care, Taipei 11031, Taiwan (see also Disease Attributes).

Keywords for this news article include: Asia, Taipei, Taiwan, Hospital, Chronic Disease, Disease Attributes

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