Determinants of Healthcare Service Utilization by the Elderly: An Integrative Literature Review of Physical Accessibility, Information Technology Access, Healthcare Costs, and Family Social Support
Abstract
Population ageing makes health service utilization among older adults a strategic public service issue. The 2025 Intercensal Population Survey (SUPAS) recorded that older persons account for 11.97% of Indonesia's population, yet nearly half of older adults reporting health complaints do not use formal health services. This study analyzes the determinants of health service utilization among older adults in terms of physical accessibility, access to information technology, and health costs, and examines the role of family social support as a moderating variable. An integrative literature review was combined with a descriptive analysis of secondary data from Statistics Indonesia, the Ministry of Health, and official reports. Articles published in 2016–2026 were retrieved from Google Scholar, Garuda, PubMed Central, and DOAJ, purposively selected, and synthesized thematically. The findings show that (1) shorter travel time and lower transport costs increase the likelihood of facility use; (2) internet use is positively associated with outpatient care, while the digital divide among older adults remains wide; (3) health insurance ownership is the most consistent enabling factor, although indirect costs remain a barrier; and (4) family social support may buffer the negative effects of access barriers, but the evidence is inconsistent due to differing measurements. This review proposes a conceptual model with four testable propositions and recommends integrated elderly health service policies that combine outreach services, digital assistance, financial protection, and stronger family involvement.
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