Elderly care access and quality in general practice: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

Mujtaba  Ashraf; Prem  Prakash

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2545

Authors

Mujtaba Ashraf Senior Resident, Department of General Medicine, GMCH, Purnea, Bihar, India
Prem Prakash Associate professor, Department of General Medicine, GMCH, Purnea, Bihar, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2545

Keywords:

Elderly care, General practice, Healthcare access, Quality of care, Retrospective study

Abstract

Background:

The need for accessible, high-quality healthcare services has increased with the growing elderly population. General practice plays a vital role in delivering primary healthcare to older adults.

Objective:

To assess elderly patients’ access to healthcare services and perceived quality of care in general practice settings.

Methods:

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using medical records of 100 elderly patients (≥60 years) attending general practice clinics. Data on demographic characteristics, access to care, and quality indicators were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test.

Results:

Among the participants, females constituted a slightly higher proportion, and most patients were in the 60–69-year age group. Good access to healthcare was reported by 49%, moderate by 33%, and poor by 18%. High quality of care was reported by 44%, average by 32%, and low by 24%. There was no statistically significant association between access and quality of care (χ² test, p = 0.8115).

Conclusion:

Although most elderly patients reported adequate access and acceptable quality of care, a substantial proportion still face barriers. Strengthening geriatric-friendly services and improving accessibility may enhance healthcare outcomes.

Recommendation:

Policies should focus on improving accessibility, infrastructure, and geriatric-specific training in primary care settings.

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