Urban and Rural Differences in Determinants of Unmet Need among Community-Dwelling Disabled Seniors in China

Based on the data of Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey from 2011 to 2018, the multi-classification logistic hybrid regression model was used to analyze urban and rural differences in determinants of unmet need among community-dwelling disabled seniors in China. The results showed that the proportions of under-met needs and completely unmet needs of community-dwelling disabled seniors in urban areas are lower than that in rural areas, and the influencing factors reflect heterogeneity. Economic status, caregivers' willingness to take care of them, living alone, loneliness, disability and marital status are the common influencing factors of the unmet needs of the disabled seniors in urban and rural areas. Not being lonely and providing life services in the community are unique influence factors for under-met needs of the disabled seniors in urban areas. The under-met needs and completely unmet needs of the disabled seniors in rural areas in the central and western regions are significantly higher than those in the eastern regions. There are differences between urban and rural areas in the unmet care needs of community-dwelling disabled seniors in China. It is suggested that targeted intervention measures should be taken for urban and rural community-dwelling disabled seniors.