Improving Posyandu Utilization among the Elderly: The Critical Role of Family Support and Access

Abstract

This study explores the factors influencing Posyandu utilization among elderly individuals in Palembang, Indonesia. Data were collected from 125 pre-elderly and elderly individuals across eight health centers. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses identified significant determinants of Posyandu use, including family support, ownership of Kartu Menuju Sehat (KMS), and access to Posyandu. The results showed that family support was the most influential factor, with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.893 (95% CI: 1.673 – 9.261), indicating that individuals with good family support were nearly four times more likely to utilize Posyandu services. Ownership of KMS (OR = 2.982, 95% CI: 1.192 – 7.460) and easy access to Posyandu (OR = 3.231, 95% CI: 1.301 – 8.022) were also significantly associated with higher service utilization. These findings highlight the need for policies that strengthen family support, improve healthcare access, and expand health insurance coverage for elderly populations to increase Posyandu utilization and improve health outcomes. The implications of this study suggest that enhancing family involvement, improving infrastructure for healthcare access, and expanding health insurance programs can significantly contribute to the utilization of health services among elderly individuals, thus promoting better overall health outcomes for this population.