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. 2020 May;61(5):260-265.
doi: 10.11622/smedj.2019104. Epub 2019 Sep 6.

Health-seeking behaviour of the elderly living alone in an urbanised low-income community in Singapore

Jesmine Mei Gene Lee  1 , Catherine Qiu Hua Chan  2 , Wen Chyi Low  2 , Kheng Hock Lee  2   3   4 , Lian Leng Low  2   3   4
Affiliations
Free PMC article

Health-seeking behaviour of the elderly living alone in an urbanised low-income community in Singapore

Jesmine Mei Gene Lee et al. Singapore Med J. 2020 May.
Free PMC article

Abstract

Introduction: Elderly persons who live alone are more likely to be socially isolated and at increased risk of adverse health outcomes, unnecessary hospital re-admissions and premature mortality. We aimed to understand the health-seeking behaviour of elderly persons living alone in public rental housing in Singapore.

Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured question guide. Participants were selected using a purposive sampling approach. Interviews were conducted until theme saturation was reached. Qualitative data collected was analysed using manual thematic coding methods.

Results: Data analysis revealed five major themes: accessibility of healthcare services and financial assistance schemes; perceived high cost of care; self-management; self-reliance; and mismatch between perceived needs and services.

Conclusion: Elderly persons living in one-room rental flats are a resilient and resourceful group that values self-reliance and independence. Most of the elderly who live alone develop self-coping mechanisms to meet their healthcare needs rather than seek formal medical consultation. The insightful findings from this study should be taken into consideration when models of healthcare delivery are being reviewed and designed so as to support the disadvantaged elderly living alone.

Keywords: elderly; health-seeking behaviour; loneliness; social isolation.

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Figures

Box 1
Box 1
Question guide and probes:
Box 2
Box 2
Major themes and subthemes:
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