Determinants of access to primary health care for the elderly in the province of Essaouira

Morocco is experiencing demographic and epidemiological changes marked by an increase in the proportion of elderly people accompanied by a growing prevalence of chronic diseases and disabilities, thus leading to an increase in the demand for health care. the Moroccan health system therefore faces the challenge of meeting the specific needs of older populations in terms of access to and use of health care services. To achieve this, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a community-based approach, based on primary health care facilities (PHCFs), to the provision of services for older people.This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study based on a quantitative approach. The survey was carried out via a questionnaire intended for a sample of 739 people aged 60 years and over attending the ESSPs in the province of Essaouira between January and February of the year 2020.Our study has allowed us to understand the determinants related to the use of PHC by the elderly in the province of Essaouira. These determinants concern the characteristics of the elderly as well as the organisational and institutional aspects of the care offer. The bivariate analysis of the results showed a statistically significant association between the use of PHC by the elderly and the area of residence, gender, level of education, distance travelled to health facilities, quality of reception, and availability of medicines.Policymakers are called upon to consider the determinants of the use of PHC in order to better address the health needs of older people, and also to respond to WHO guidance in this area.