Assistive products for older adults in China: self-reported need, services, and satisfaction

Older adults may abandon or discontinue the use of assistive products due to low levels of satisfaction. Only few studies have examined need and satisfaction related to the use of assistive products for this group in China. As such, research is needed to improve satisfaction with assistive products and related services.

This study used technology acceptance theory to examine the self-reported need for, and ownership of, assistive products among older adults in China, as well as to examine the association between services and satisfaction with assistive products; the underlying mechanism of this association was also assessed. The current study used the rapid assistive technology assessment (rATA) questionnaire designed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for stratified and cluster sampling. A total of 2,158 older adults living in China were interviewed. The multiple regression analysis was used to examine the independent and interactive associations between services and satisfaction. Heterogeneity and robustness tests were also undertaken.

The self-reported need for assistive products pertained mainly to vision, and together with ownership, the need gap has not yet been addressed. Both pre-sale (β = 0.600, p < 0.01) and follow-up services (β = 0.270, p < 0.01) were positively correlated with satisfaction, which in turn shows heterogeneity when it comes to the types of assistive products.

Providing accessible services, especially follow-up services, will help older adults be more satisfied with their assistive products, thus ultimately ensuring the continued use of products.