Association of Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases and the Use of Health Services in Mexican Older Adults

Background: Over recent decades, there has been an increase in the demand for and use of health services of Institute of Security and Social Services for State Workers (ISSSTE) as a result of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the association between chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the use of health services in Mexican older adults. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional nationally representative study was carried out on Mexican older adults (≥60 years; both sexes; n = 820). Data on NCDs (medical diagnoses of diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cancer and depression) were collected, along with data on smoking, educational level, geographical area of residence, body measurements of weight, height, BMI, and information on the use of the health services of the National Health and Nutrition Survey of ISSSTE Beneficiaries (ENSADER) 2007. Results: The main reasons for the use of health services by older adults were good care and service, no choice/other affiliations and good health outcomes (55.6%, 13.5% and 8.2%, respectively; p < 0.001). The probability of using health services was higher and statistically significant in overweight older adults (OR [CI 95%]: 1.56 (1.05–2.31); p < 0.050), with primary education level (OR (CI 95%): 2.13 (1.36–3.33); p < 0.001), older adults with diabetes (OR [CI 95%]: 1.77 (1.14–2.73); p < 0.050), and older adults with hypertension (OR (CI 95%): 2.19 (1.55–3.09); p < 0.001). Conclusions: In older adults using health services of ISSSTE (ENSADER, 2007), there is a positive and significant association between the use of health services and the presence of diabetes, hypertension and overweight.