Utilization patterns of community nursing health services in coping with population aging in Oman: a retrospective observational study

JOURNAL/agad/04.03/02274129-202506000-00001/figure1/v/2025-04-14T112442Z/r/image-tiff Community nursing services are crucial for meeting the healthcare needs of Oman’s diverse and aging population, particularly in geographically remote areas. This study aimed to assess the impact of these services on key health indicators and healthcare utilization across various governorates, with a focus on the older population. A retrospective observational analysis was conducted using data from 5232 patients enrolled in Community Nursing Services between January 1 and December 31, 2023. Data were sourced from the Shifa 3+ electronic health system of the Oman Ministry of Health. The study evaluated program coverage, referral patterns, prevalence of health conditions, functional status, and registration dynamics using descriptive statistics and visualizations. The findings revealed significant variations in patient engagement across governorates. For example, female patients accounted for 62% of care-seeking individuals in Dakhiliyah compared to 38% in North Batinah. Type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension were the most common diagnoses, with females representing 64% of diabetes and 68% of hypertension cases in Muscat. Nursing care accounted for 100% of recorded visits. Sex disparities were evident, with females comprising 65% of health center transfers, 57% of readmissions, and 63% of patients assessed but not admitted. Mortality rates were also varied by sex, with females representing 66% of deaths in Dakhiliyah. Regions with coordinated resources and balanced staffing reported higher efficiency and patient satisfaction, while others faced unmet demand or underutilization. These disparities highlight the need for data-driven planning to improve resource distribution and ensure equitable healthcare access across governorates. The results suggest that community care services play a vital role in health management in Oman, particularly in addressing chronic diseases and functional decline in the older population.