Factors affecting utilization of outpatient healthcare services among the elderly population in Butiama and Musoma districts, Tanzania: A community-based cross-sectional study.

Background: In Tanzania and Sub-Saharan Africa, the elderly population has grown significantly due to improved quality of life, subsequently leading to prolonged life expectancy. Despite global development initiatives, elders still face insufficient care. Through a community-based investigation, this study assessed outpatient department (OPD) healthcare utilization and its determinants among the elderly in Butiama and Musoma districts, Tanzania.

Methodology: This study involved 415 elderly individuals aged 60 or older in Tanzania's Butiama and Musoma districts. Structured questionnaires were used to gather data, and the results were analyzed using SPSS 22. Univariate analysis utilized descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis involved cross-tabulation data, and multivariate logistic regression identified factors influencing OPD service utilization.

Results: Approximately 43.4% of participants used OPD services in the past year. Divorced or separated individuals were over two times more likely to utilize OPD services compared to single participants. This association was statistically significant (OR 1.958; 95% CI 1.001-3.829; p = 0.05). About 74.5% of surveyed elders held a positive perception of OPD utilization. Although not statistically significant (p>0.05), individuals with a positive perception had 1.167 times higher odds of using OPD services (95% CI 0.746-1.826).

Conclusion: This study highlights a low overall utilization rate of OPD healthcare services among the elderly. Elderly individuals aged 80 years or older, along with widowed or divorced individuals, encounter specific barriers when accessing healthcare services. Positive perceptions play a crucial role in influencing healthcare utilization. It is essential to proactively offer tailored support and conduct further research, specifically addressing the distinct needs of divorced and widowed individuals when seeking healthcare services.