Participation in Population Health Interventions by Older Adults in Poland: Barriers and Enablers

Abstract

Background: The participation of older adults in population health interventions constitutes a key factor in their physical, mental and social health. The aim of this study was to determine variables considered as enablers and barriers to participation in health programmes. Methods: The conceptual framework of the study was developed and population health interventions were operationalised as health programmes. A total of 805 older adults participated in a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire included questions about socio-demographic, health and social connectedness-related factors as well as participation in population health interventions/programmes. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between respondents’ characteristics and participation in the intervention. Results: Participation in health programmes was declared by 316 respondents. The enablers of participation were general practitioner’s affability (OR = 2.638 [1.453–4.791], p = 0.001), three or more social activities (OR = 3.415 [1.477–7.894], p = 0.004), taking part in support groups (OR = 4.743 [1.255–17.929], p = 0.022) and involvement in Universities of the Third Age (OR = 2.829 [1.093–7.327], p = 0.032). The barriers were primary education (OR = 0.385 [0.215–0.690], p = 0.001), infrequent general practitioner’s appointments (OR = 0.500 [0.281–0.888], p = 0.018) and lack of social activity (OR = 0.455 [0.299–0.632], p < 0.001). Conclusion: The enablers of participation appeared to solely include variables regarding health service utilisation, patient experience and social activity, i.e., interpersonal and community relationships, not intrapersonal factors.