The socioeconomic characteristics and health problems and needs of chronic home-bound patients

OBJECTIVES: To find the social and economic characteristics, and to identify the problems and health needs, of chronic patients confined to the home (CPHs). DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional study. SETTING: Otxarkoaga Health Centre (Bilbao). PARTICIPANTS: 121 CPHs of the 134 identified. These included patients with sub-acute, chronic or terminal illness, with physical and/or psychological disability, and/or with lack of social or family support, which prevented their attending the Health Centre. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: A 22-item questionnaire was designed by the authors. The study period was March to September 1996. Information was taken from home interviews and clinical records. Average age was 78 (SD 11.2). 68.6% were women. 70% were over 75 years old. 77.7% received no formal social assistance.

García Bermejo S, Lekube Angulo K, Andikoetxea Agorria A, Solar Barruetabeña M, Olaskoaga Arrate A. The socioeconomic characteristics and health problems and needs of chronic home-bound patients. Aten Primaria. 1997; 20(5):230-6.

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