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Updated: Apr 17, 2026

Assessment of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living Among Older Patients in an Acute Care Unit
Published on: September 30, 2020
Effects of self-care behaviors on medical utilization of the elderly with chronic diseases - A representative sample
1School of Gerontology Health Management, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
Background:
Research indicates that self-care affects lifestyle and health behaviors; however, little is known about whether or not self-care affects medical utilization.
Objectives:
Exploring the effects on self-care behaviors to medical utilizations by elderly with chronic conditions.
Method:
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.
Results:
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.
Discussion:
Self-care behavior and confidence decreased avoidable hospitalization, hospital admission and emergency services. 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.
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