Effectiveness of Primary Healthcare System in Addressing the Needs of the Aging Population: An Evaluation of the National Program for Elderly Care

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Worldwide healthcare systems are facing formidable difficulties due to the aging population and longer life expectancy. Oman's National Elderly Care Program (ECP) seeks to address these challenges by providing comprehensive services through primary healthcare (PHC). Our review evaluates the effectiveness of Oman's PHC system in meeting the needs of citizens aged >60 years. METHODS: A review study used a national data from the PHC Information System, analyzing 17,243 Omani citizens aged >60 years, enrolled in 2023. Descriptive statistics and Looker Studio visualizations covered program coverage, referral patterns, health condition prevalence, functional status, and register activity. _RESULTS:_ Across all governorates, 35% of the overall rate of the target population met. We observed significant variations in program coverage, with Al Dhahirah achieving the highest rate (86% of its target population). Conversely, governorates such as Musandam, Muscat, and Al Wusta exhibited the lowest rate, < 30%. Institutional referrals were equal for both, with self-recommendations accounting for 22% and community referrals for 22%. North Al Batinah governorate had the highest total number of referrals, 25%. Conversely, Al Wusta had the lowest total number of referrals, 1%. The initial screening revealed that the prevalence of DM varied from 2% in Al Buraymi to 16% in Al Wusta, while the incidence of hypertension ranged from 1% to 19% across different governorates. We classified older adults as either independent or active, Al Wosta showed higher proportions of partially dependent individuals. The registration dynamics exhibited noticeable elevated rates of deaths variations. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the low aggregate rate of target population fulfillment nationwide, the program is encountering difficulties in ensuring equitable coverage and fulfilling a variety of health requirements. A need for increased outreach and education in underprivileged areas, effective systems for ongoing monitoring and assessment, tailored care strategies, and improved geriatric education and healthcare facilities.