Utilization Rate of Healthcare Service of the Elderly with Disabilities — China, 1987−2014

What is already known about this topic? In the context of rapid population ageing and over represented disabilities among the elderly, healthcare services for the elderly persons with disabilities are one of the most urgent and important population and public health issues. Previous studies indicated that the weighted prevalence rate of lifetime healthcare service use was 36.6% (95% CI: 35.6–37.5) among persons with disabilities aged 60 years and above in 2006. What is added by this report? We found that the lifetime utilization rate of auxiliary aids among elderly with disabilities increased significantly from 4.96% in 1987 to 9.07% in 2006 (p(trend)<0.001), and the utilization rate of healthcare service in the last 12 months increased significantly from 18.6% in 2007 to 56.9% in 2014 (p(trend)<0.001) among total elderly with disabilities. What are the implications for public health practice? The arduous achievement indicated the success of social, economic, and medical reforms as well as health equity improvement of China. However, more sound policies and action are needed to further reduce the unmet needs in healthcare services.