Assessing Elderly Care in Saudi Arabia: Evaluating Health and Social Support Programs through a Survey-Based Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22399/ijcesen.3997Keywords:
Elderly Care, Health Services, Social Support Programs, Saudi Arabia, Aging Population, Healthcare AccessibilityAbstract
Background:
As Saudi Arabia’s elderly population grows, understanding the adequacy of health and social support services becomes increasingly critical. This study evaluates the accessibility, quality, and effectiveness of elderly care programs across different regions and sociodemographic groups in Saudi Arabia. Methods:
A cross-sectional, survey-based study was conducted with 1,006 participants, including elderly individuals, caregivers, family members, and healthcare providers. A structured, bilingual questionnaire assessed healthcare access, service quality, social support availability, and perceived barriers. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. Results:
Most participants (64.0%) found healthcare services somewhat accessible; only 6.9% considered them very accessible. Satisfaction with care was moderate, with 50.9% satisfied and 15.0% very satisfied. Key barriers included logistical issues (35.4%), cultural attitudes (30.1%), and lack of awareness (21.8%). Social support services were underutilized, with regional disparities observed—Asir had the highest use, while Riyadh had the lowest awareness. Significant associations were found between healthcare accessibility and age, region, and participant role (P < 0.001). Conclusions: While general satisfaction with elderly care services exists, notable disparities persist based on age, region, and service awareness. To improve outcomes, targeted outreach, better infrastructure in rural areas, and expanded access to social support services are essential.
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