Pattern of health care use in an elderly population in Sri Lanka

With changing demographic patterns, provision of health care services for the elderly will be a problem that Sri Lanka has to face in the near future. Community based data related to morbidity, health care use and service needs is useful in planning for such services. A study of 1200 persons of age 60 years and over, conducted in the Western province in Sri Lanka indicated a high level of use of medical care as well as a perceived need for additional care and for health aids. Financial constraints were identified as the main factor limiting health care use. This is of importance in planning programs in countries where resources available for provision of care are limited and where alternative approaches for provision and financing of health care needs to be considered.