مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Evaluating sociodemographic and medical conditions of patients under home care service

Abstract :

Objective: In our study, we aimed to reveal medical conditions and the sociodemographic conditions of patients under home care service.Methods: Our study is planned on 52 patients who are under home care service at Sarıkamış State Hospital between June 2013 and May 2014. Patients’ sex, education, social security status, comorbid diseases and general health status were recorded.Results: Fifty-two patients enrolled. 21 of them (40.4%) were men, 31 of them (59.6 %) were women. It is revealed that In 36 patients (69.2%) did not receive formal education throughout their lives, while16 (30.8%) of them had only primary education. All female patients were housewives. The most frequent diseases in home care patients were cerebrovascular disease in 18 (34.6%) subjects, Alzheimer’s disease in 9 (17.3%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 4 (7.7%) d. 38 patients (73.1%) needed routine follow-up. Most of the patients (61.5%) had green card health insurance. Only 6 patients (11.5%) were in need of narcotic analgesics. Thirteen patients had pressure ulcers due to immobilization. Evaluating the exercise capacity of the patients; 43 (82.7%) could not dressed themselves, 38 (73.1%) could not use phone. Thirty-two patients had urinary incontinence and 31 had fecal incontinence.Conclusion: Today, population of patients who need home care service is increasing due to ease access to home care service and increase in survival. For a better care of patients, home care providers should be well educated and differences on features of patients and medical conditions it should be taken into consideration.