Assessing Health Care Perception and Needs of the Older Adults in Bangladesh: Application of the Kano Model to Assess Gaps

Abstract

Abstract Background Bangladesh's old population is growing faster than the rest of the world and is anticipated to continue in the coming years. The country's growing older adult is challenging Bangladesh's existing health system, and it must be reformed to ensure geriatric care. The main objective of this study is to measure the existing gap in perceived and expected healthcare needs among older adults and propose a measure to eliminate the gap. Methods Using a cross-sectional research design, we collected data from 500 respondents in Narsingdi and Narayanganj districts. The gap between the older adults' perceived and expected healthcare needs was assessed using a structured questionnaire with 28 items (using the Kano Model) that could be answered positively and negatively. Descriptive statistics, T-tests, and multiple linear regression analyses were carried out. Results The findings showed where Bangladesh's healthcare sector, particularly older adult care services, comes close to matching their expectations and areas where it falls far short. The Kano model showed that 12 of 28 geriatric health service qualities were classified as Must-Be quality and eight as attractive or delighters. Type of residence (β=-0.264, p < 0.001), quality of life (β = 0.227, p < 0.001), marital status (β=-0.104, p = 0.047), and educational status (β=-0.124, p = 0.015) was significantly associated with of older population health care needs and expectation. Conclusion This study gives healthcare practitioners a detailed understanding of their service quality from the perspective of patient satisfaction in Bangladesh. Reforming and modifying the country's existing healthcare structure services for older adults while keeping these attributes in mind will likely result in a safe and healthy environment for them.