Access to and Use of Health Services by Older Men and Women Experiencing Frailty and Ageing in Place Alone in Italy

<b>Background</b>: Access to and use of health services represent crucial issues/challenges for older people experiencing frailty with functional limitations and chronic diseases, especially when they age in place alone. Both access to and use of health services are also characterised by gender differences. The present study analysed these factors in three Italian regions (Lombardy, North; Marche, Centre; and Calabria, South), where in 2019, the "Inclusive Ageing in Place" (IN-AGE) project was carried out, involving 120 senior people aged 65 years and of both genders. <b>Methods</b>: In this mixed-methods study, both qualitative (predominant section) and some quantitative data (e.g., socio-demographic aspects and functional limitations) were collected through semi-structured interviews. In addition to basic quantitative analyses, content analysis and the quantification of statements were performed to process the qualitative data. The results for both men and women are presented. Possible barriers to accessing health services were also considered. <b>Results:</b> Women reported more cases of chronic diseases than men, especially arthritis/osteoporosis, and a greater use of drugs than men. Both genders used services provided by the general practitioner (GP) and medical specialist (MS), the latter being mostly private. More women than men used rehabilitation, especially in the private sector, and reported the issue of cost for private healthcare and the travel distance to reach medical units as barriers to access. The long waiting lists/times were complained about by both males and females. <b>Conclusions</b>: This study, despite its simple/descriptive qualitative approach with a limited sample, could provide, however, some insights for policymakers and healthcare professionals to plan prevention policies and deliver appropriate and timely health services to older people experiencing frailty and ageing in place alone, devoting attention to gender-related issues in the design and provision of such services.