Utilization of health services among the Puerto Rican elderly: gender considerations

The elderly make considerable demands on the health care system. This study sought to identify the types of health services utilized by these elders and the predisposing and enabling factors impacting upon their use. Fifteen questions concerning the specific topic were analyzed: ten items about background information and five specific questions pertaining to use. The tests of significance were those of Kendall's Tau B and C and Cramer's V. The sub groups of elderly needing the greatest intervention by the health care system were female, the poor, those of rural zone residence, those with limited educational attainment and the elderly of the lowest occupational prestige sectors of the economy. These findings are similar to those found elsewhere.