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Prevalence and Associated Factors of Self-Treatment among the Elderly—A Comparative Study between Empty and Non-Empty Nesters in Shandong, China

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  • Zhaorong Gao

    (School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
    NHC Key Laboratory of Health Economics and Policy Research, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
    Shandong University Center for Health Economics Experiment and Public Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China)

  • Lingzhong Xu

    (School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
    NHC Key Laboratory of Health Economics and Policy Research, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
    Shandong University Center for Health Economics Experiment and Public Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China)

  • Wenzhe Qin

    (School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
    NHC Key Laboratory of Health Economics and Policy Research, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
    Shandong University Center for Health Economics Experiment and Public Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China)

  • Jiao Zhang

    (School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
    NHC Key Laboratory of Health Economics and Policy Research, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
    Shandong University Center for Health Economics Experiment and Public Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China)

  • Jinling Zhou

    (School of Medicine and Health Management, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China)

  • Fangfang Hu

    (School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
    NHC Key Laboratory of Health Economics and Policy Research, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
    Shandong University Center for Health Economics Experiment and Public Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China)

  • Zhuang Hong

    (School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
    NHC Key Laboratory of Health Economics and Policy Research, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
    Shandong University Center for Health Economics Experiment and Public Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China)

Abstract

(1) Objectives: With an aging society in China, self-treatment now plays an important role in health care among older adults, but it can be problematic. This study aims to explore and compare the self-treatment behavior among empty and non-empty nesters. (2) Methods: Using a multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling method, a total of 4366 elderly people aged 60 and above from Shandong Province, China, were enrolled in this study. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the associated factors of self-treatment. (3) Results: The prevalence of self-treatment in empty nesters was significantly lower than that in non-empty ones (74.0% vs. 83.3%). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that higher educational level and poorer self-rated economic status were negatively associated with self-treatment in empty nesters, while unemployed and urban and rural residents’ basic medical insurance were positively associated with self-treatment in non-empty ones. (4) Conclusions: The study indicated that empty nesters had lower likelihood of self-treatment than non-empty ones. Empty nesters with better socioeconomic status were more likely to use self-treatment; by contrast, non-empty nesters with relatively poorer socioeconomic status were more inclined to self-treatment. Targeted interventions should be developed to maximize the effectiveness of self-treatment and reduce health risks.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhaorong Gao & Lingzhong Xu & Wenzhe Qin & Jiao Zhang & Jinling Zhou & Fangfang Hu & Zhuang Hong, 2020. "Prevalence and Associated Factors of Self-Treatment among the Elderly—A Comparative Study between Empty and Non-Empty Nesters in Shandong, China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-11, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:21:p:7880-:d:435649
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    References listed on IDEAS

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