Resumo

CASTANEDA ABASCAL, Ileana Elena  e  VILLALON BARRERA, Odis Nelson. Health service needs for women and men over 60 years of age. Rev Cubana Med Gen Integr [online]. 2013, vol.29, n.1, pp. 36-43. ISSN 0864-2125.

Background: the structural changes of the Cuban population show an accelerated aging process and a population over 60 years of age or older. The Health System needs to know the demands of this population to adopt fair measures that favour the improvement of the services. Objectives: to identify the health service needs of the population over 60 years of age or older in "Andrés Ortiz" Polyclinic, Guanabacoa Municipality Havana, 2009. Methods: a descriptive study about the use of qualitative methods of research was performed. Focal groups were created for old women and men in rural and urban health areas to deepen on their needs. The sanitary authorities were also administered in-depth interviews to identify their criteria on this respect. Results: the health service needs matched up with the residence area and the sex in the geriatric attention and the appropriate solution to both dental prosthesis and wheelchairs. The old women reported difficulties in the acquisition of glasses, access to family counselling and family attention. Nevertheless, the elderly considered podiatry services, physical culture and the possibility to receive a home social caregiver service as a positive aspect. Conclusions: health service needs for old women and men are very similar and can be solved by the health service supported by different sectors and the community.

Palavras-chave : elderly; health service needs.

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