Effects of social capital on healthcare utilization among older adults in Indonesia

Nopryan Ekadinata, Hui Chuan Hsu, Ya Mei Chen, Kun Yang Chuang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Social capital potentially affects older adults' access to healthcare services. However, the effects of social capital on the use of various types of healthcare services using longitudinal data have yet to be explored. This study aimed to examine the effects of structural and cognitive social capital on different types of healthcare utilization by older adults in Indonesia. Data were from the Indonesian Family Life Survey (waves 4 and 5) in 2007 and 2014. The sample consisted of participants aged 60 years and older who completed both waves (n = 1374). Healthcare utilization by older adults assessed health posts (posyandu), health checkups, outpatient care and hospital admissions. Social capital consisted of neighborhood trust and community participation. Generalized estimating equation models were used for the analysis. Older adults with high community participation had a higher likelihood of using preventive care in posyandu (OR = 5.848, 95% CI = 2.585-13.232) and health checkup visits (OR = 1.621, 95% CI = 1.116-2.356). Meanwhile, neighborhood trust was related to a higher probability of hospital admissions (OR = 1.255, 95% CI = 1.046-1.505). Social capital significantly affects older adults' preventive and treatment healthcare utilization. Maximizing the availability of social participation and removing barriers to access to preventive and medical care in an age-friendly environment are suggested.

Original languageEnglish
Article numberdaad104
JournalHealth Promotion International
Volume38
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 1 2023

Keywords

  • healthcare utilization
  • neighborhood trust
  • older adults
  • prevention
  • social capital
  • social participation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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