Analysis of the satisfaction level of elderly people from the provinces of Azuay and Cañar

Abstract

Objective. Analysis of the perceptions about the exercise of the rights of the elderly in the provinces of Azuay and Cañar.

Methodology. An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out involving 538 elderly people living in the coverage areas of the first-level health centers, belonging to the Ministry of Public Health and the Rural Social Security, through the application of a rights form, previously validated.

Results. The mean age was 75.20 ± 7.22 years (65 to 100 years), the majority were women, married, with primary education and 33% illiteracy. 81% of participants consider their standard of living to be adequate. Living alone is a factor associated with the inadequate exercise of rights in a statistically significant way (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.46-3.68). Age, marital status, occupation, education, self-identification, are also associated with inadequate exercise of rights, but not significantly.

Conclusions. Eight out of ten older adults consider that the exercise of their rights is adequate, and in the group that feels dissatisfaction, solitude is a statistically significant associated factor. This situation reveals the importance of generating social networks of support between peers, with inter-institutional support and especially of local community organizations, to achieve the full exercise of rights, without exclusions.