Factors Associated with Preventive Care Utilisation among Chinese Older Adults: Evidence from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey

This research examined the sociodemographic factors associated with preventive care utilisation among Chinese older adults. Using the latest 2018 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), preventive care utilisation was defined as an annual physical examination. In the final study sample, approximately 69 per cent of the older adults had a physical examination annually. Older adults who had received a high level of formal education (eleven years or above) were more likely to use preventive care (all p < 0.01). Participants with a rural social health scheme and residing in rural areas were also more likely to use preventive care (all p < 0.05). For the interaction effect, rural older adults who could not afford healthcare expenses were less likely to use preventive care (AOR = 0.37, 95 per cent CI: 0.16, 0.84). More reforms should be directed toward reducing social disparities regarding preventive care utilisation.

Automated summary

This research found that older adults who had received a high level of formal education, participated in a rural social health scheme, and resided in rural areas were more likely to use preventive care. However, rural older adults who could not afford healthcare expenses were less likely to use preventive care.