Activities of daily living limitations and family doctor contract services among overweight and obese older adults: is there a rural-urban difference?

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between activities of daily living (ADL) limitations and family doctor contract services among overweight and obese older adults, as well as to examine whether this association varies by urban-rural residence. METHODS: Data for the present study were obtained from the sixth Health Service of Shandong province, China. A total of 4,249 overweight and obese older adults were included in this study. Binary logistic regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between ADL limitations and family doctor contract services, to examine the potential differences between urban and rural areas. RESULTS: Of 4,249 overweight and obese older adults, the prevalence of limitations in ADL and family doctor service contracting rate in Shandong province were 12.47% and 66.46%, respectively. The results of the regression analyses revealed that overweight and obese older adults with ADL limitations were more likely to sign up for family doctor services than those without ADL limitations (OR = 1.27, 95%CI: 1.02–1.58, P = 0.033). Only among rural overweight and obese older adults, the relationship between ADL limitations and family doctor contract services was statistically significant (OR = 1.50, 95%CI: 1.13–1.99, P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Our study found a significant association between ADL limitations and family doctor contract services among overweight and obese older adults in Shandong, China. This relationship differed by urban-rural residence. To promote the positive development of the family doctor contract service system, the government should increase publicity, provide personalized contracted services, and prioritize the healthcare needs of overweight and obese older adults with ADL limitations, with special attention to rural areas. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-023-02177-4.