Unmet health care needs in old age and their association with depression - results of a population-representative survey

BACKGROUND: Due to the demographic changes, unmet health care needs are expected to increase in the elderly population. The aim of this study was to analyse the distribution of met and unmet needs and their association with depression in old age.

METHODS: Based on a population-representative telephone survey of the elderly population aged 75 + years and older, a sample of 845 individuals was assessed via structured clinical interviews. Data on unmet needs were collected via the adapted German version of the Camberwell Assessment of Need for the Elderly (CANE). Descriptive and interferential statistical analyses were run.

RESULTS: Most frequently, unmet needs were reported in the CANE sections memory, physical health and mobility. Significant differences with regard to age and gender were observed. Further, regression analyses revealed that unmet needs were significantly associated with depression.

LIMITATIONS: Data on unmet needs were only assessed from the participants' perspectives. The cross-sectional design of the study does not allow drawing conclusions on causality of results.

CONCLUSION: This study provides, for the first time in Germany, population-representative data on unmet health care needs in the oldest old and represents an important starting point in the field of health and social care as well as the development of tailored treatment and interventions in old age.