The perception and utilization of community care services by older persons in the new urban areas of Beijing, China: A cross-sectional study

Background and AimsIn recent years, Beijing, similar to many other large cities in China, has experienced rapid urbanization in many new areas. These have often been locations of population aging but have not had concomitant development of required community care services for older persons. This study aims to understand the perception and utilization of newly developed community care services by the older persons living in this region for providing knowledge to improve the services. MethodsApplying Andersen's behavior model, this study used binary logistic regression of the factors influencing the perception and utilization of community care services and analyzed data collected by questionnaires to 301 older persons in the new urban areas of Beijing. ResultsEducation, income, activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, mental health, and economic needs are statistically significant factors affecting older persons' perception of community care services. Age, perception of community care services, income, neighborhood relationships, mental health, and emotional needs are significant factors affecting older persons' utilization of community care services. ConclusionDemographic characteristics, health status, social support, and care needs were significant factors in the perception and utilization of community care services, after controlling for many variables. Improving older persons' perceptions of community care services is likely to promote their access to the services, which should help meet the challenges of rapid population aging in providing community care services to support aging in place in the new urban areas of Beijing, China.