THE INFLUENCE OF THE LEVEL OF EDUCATION ON THE BEHAVIORAL PATTERNS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACCESS TO MEDICAL CARE OF THE POPULATION OF OLDER AGE GROUPS

Abstract

The purpose of the study: to study the influence of the level of education on the behavioral patterns associated with medical care of the population of older age groups. Materials and methods of research. The results of an anonymous survey of 1,045 people of both sexes aged 60 years and older were analyzed. The questionnaire included a question about the reasons for visiting medical organizations. The results were evaluated separately for men and women in two age groups of 60–74 years and 75 years and older. Results. There were no significant gender differences in the characteristics of medical activity among the studied cohorts of older age groups. The most common form of behavior regardless of gender was the reactive type, when seeking medical help occurred as a result of health problems. A high level of education contributes to a change in behavior towards a greater prevalence of active behavior in relation to the reasons for seeking medical help. These patterns are observed regardless of gender and are more pronounced in the age group of 75 years and older. Men and women with a low level of education are more likely to choose a reactive type of behavior when seeking medical help occurs after the appearance of health problems. The frequency of passive behavior does not depend on the level of education and is more often recorded in the age group of 60–74 years.