Evaluating the effectiveness of the national elderly care program in Oman: A cross-sectional study
Introduction: The aging population presents significant challenges to healthcare systems globally. In Oman, the National Program for Elderly Care (ECP) aims to address these challenges by providing comprehensive services through the primary healthcare (PHC) system. This study evaluates the effective...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
International Network for the Advancement of Medicine, Psychology, and Public Health (INAMPPH)
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Advances in Medicine, Psychology, and Public Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://ampphealthjournal-network.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AMPPH_2025_183-195.pdf |
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| Summary: | Introduction: The aging population presents significant challenges to healthcare systems globally. In Oman, the National Program for Elderly Care (ECP) aims to address these challenges by providing comprehensive services through the primary healthcare (PHC) system. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Oman's PHC system in meeting the needs of citizens aged 60 years and older.
Methods: This descriptive study utilized national data from the PHC Information System, analyzing records of 17,243 Omani citizens aged 60 years and above enrolled in 2023. The study assessed program coverage, referral patterns, health condition prevalence, functional status, and registration dynamics using descriptive statistics and visualizations.
Results: The study found that 35% of the target elderly population was enrolled in the program nationwide, with significant regional variations. Al Dhahirah governorate had the highest enrollment (86%), while Muscat and Al Wusta had the lowest (<10%). Health institutions were the primary source of referrals (81% for females, 86% for males). The prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension varied widely across governorates. Most
elderly individuals were classified as independent/active, although a significant proportion required varying levels of support.
Conclusions: The ECP in Oman shows both successes and challenges. While some regions demonstrate effective outreach and high service utilization, others face significant barriers,
leading to disparities in coverage and health outcomes. To enhance the program's effectiveness, targeted interventions, improved outreach in underserved areas, and continuous monitoring are recommended. Future research should include longitudinal and qualitative studies to further refine the care strategies for elderly people in Oman. |
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| ISSN: | 3034-8803 |