Objectives: This study aims to investigate the prevalence of chronic diseases such as
hypertension, and diabetes and their health care utilization.
Methods: This was a population-based cross-sectional research. The research period is 2019.
Use of the physical and mental obstacle data file, health welfare data file provided by the Health
and Welfare Information Science Center of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The dependent
and independent variables were described in frequencies and percentages. By controlling other
variables, a multivariate logistic regression was performed to analyze factors independently
affecting the disabled elderly who emergency and hospitalization. Afterward, the odds ratio
was calculated to show the significance levels between single dependent variables to dependent
variables.
Results: A total of 955,476 elderly people were included in this study, including 477,738 people
with disabilities and 477,738 people with disabilities. The prevalence of chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, mental disease, chronic kidney disease, cerebrovascular disease, and
emergency and inpatient medical utilization rates among the elderly with disabilities were higher
than those in the elderly without disabilities. Elderly people with disabilities have a higher risk of
medical utilization in emergency (AOR = 1.58) and hospitalization (AOR = 1.96).
Conclusions: The prevalence of the four types of chronic diseases is high in the elderly with
disabilities, and the risk of emergency and hospitalization is high. It is recommended that health
authorities strengthen the prevention and management of chronic diseases for the disabled elderly,
and at the same time provide accessible community care services to improve their health status and
reduce the use of emergency and inpatient medical care.