Socioeconomic status of aged people in Ilam province

Socioeconomic status (SES) or social class is a determinant factor for having a healthy society، particularly in the elderly. The present study aimed to investigate the socioeconomic status of the elderly population in Ilam province in 2012. Through a cross-sectional study using cluster sampling، 1012 persons with the age of 60 years and over، residing in Ilam province were recruited. A questionnaire consisting of social class parameters was administered. Data was gathered by using face to face interviews and then analyzed using χ2، Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests in SPSS software. Mean age was 70. 1±8. 02 years and 60. 5% were male. Majority were illiterate (61. 4%) and unemployed (81%). Almost one in three (29. 8%) received financial support from their children. Nearly half (47. 6%) were regularly visited by their relatives. Majority، (64. 1%) mentioned the provision of sufficient health facilities as their main concern. Health and housing needs in females were two (OR=2. 23) and four (OR=4. 43) folds more than elderly males، (p<0. 0001). There were significant relationships between visiting by relatives with age، gender، job and education levels of the studied group. It seems that the economic status of the elderly depends largely on the financial status of their children. Health and housing needs in females were more than males. Social status، housing and health needs of old people call for more attention from Social and Health authorities in Ilam province.