Health Care Access and Quality of Life of Community-Dwelling Senior Citizens in Pampanga, Philippines

This study examined the association between healthcare access and quality of life (QOL) among senior citizens in Pampanga, Philippines. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 410 community-dwelling senior citizens aged 60 and above. Using validated scales, we assessed both healthcare access and QOL. Descriptive statistics were employed to characterize the senior citizens, and multiple linear regression was used to examine the association between healthcare access and QOL. Senior citizens, averaging 69 years old, were predominantly women, single/widowed, and with comorbidities. They reported high healthcare access (mean = 120.13) and moderate QOL (mean = 70.79). Environmental health scored highest in QOL domains, while social relationships scored lowest. Overall healthcare access was positively associated with overall QOL (B [unstandardized beta] = .22, 95% CI [confidence interval] 0.10, 0.33) and its domains. Significant associations with overall QOL were observed for accessibility (B = 1.95, 95% CI 0.98, 2.91) and affordability (B = -1.60, 95% CI -2.46, -0.74). Filipino senior citizens in Pampanga demonstrated high healthcare access and moderate QOL. The study highlights the importance of healthcare access in enhancing senior citizens' QOL, particularly regarding accessibility and affordability. Further research is needed to explore the nuanced relationships between healthcare access subscales and specific QOL domains.