Satisfaction with Health Facility Personnel Among Older People with Disabilities in Chile : An Observational Study Based on the 2024 DISCA Survey

Abstract

Achieving health equity for people with disabilities requires addressing the barriers that they face when accessing healthcare. Older adults with disabilities may experience compounded disparities, yet little research has explored their satisfaction with health facility personnel, including non-healthcare staff. This study examines differences in satisfaction with health facility personnel between younger (18–59 years) and older (60+) adults with disabilities in Chile. Data from the 2024 Disability and Citizenship (DISCA) survey were analysed using chi-square tests to examine differences between younger and older people with disabilities with regard to their satisfaction with health facility personnel. Ordered logistic regressions were employed to predict high satisfaction, given socioeconomic and health-related variables. Findings indicated that a higher percentage of older adults with disabilities reported high satisfaction with health facility personnel compared to younger adults. Ordered logistic regressions confirmed that older adults had greater odds of reporting high satisfaction with doctors (OR: 3.83), other health professionals (OR: 4.66), paramedical technicians (OR: 4.31), and administrative staff (OR: 3.13). These results suggest that age influences satisfaction levels among people with disabilities, potentially due to varying expectations, experiences, or interactions with health facility personnel. Understanding the underlying reasons for these age-related differences is essential to inform policies and practices that ensure equitable, person-centred care for people with disabilities across the life course.