[The socioeconomic characteristics and health problems and needs of chronic home-bound patients].

OBJECTIVES

To find the social and economic characteristics, and to identify the problems and health needs, of chronic patients confined to the home (CPHs).

DESIGN

A descriptive cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Otxarkoaga Health Centre (Bilbao).

PARTICIPANTS

121 CPHs of the 134 identified. These included patients with sub-acute, chronic or terminal illness, with physical and/or psychological disability, and/or with lack of social or family support, which prevented their attending the Health Centre.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

A 22-item questionnaire was designed by the authors. The study period was March to September 1996. Information was taken from home interviews and clinical records. Average age was 78 (SD 11.2). 68.6% were women. 70% were over 75 years old. 77.7% received no formal social assistance.

CONCLUSIONS

We found some CPHs suffering pluripathology and receiving multiple medication, most of these were elderly, women, with a low social and economic level and little social support. A programme of care of chronic patients confined to the home needs to be set up, based on nursing care and enabling the quality of life and satisfaction of these patients to be improved.