A Characterization of Older Adults in Primary Care in Three Canadian Provinces

Background Understanding the characteristics of older patients in primary care is important to develop appropriate and targeted programs. Objective We describe the characteristics of older adults (aged 70+) accessing primary care in three Canadian provinces. Methods Participants (n = 594) completed a survey package comprising demographics, health system usage, presence of chronic conditions, and a quality-of-life measure, the EQ-5D-5L. Frailty was assessed using a deficit accumulation frailty index (FI). Findings The most common chronic conditions reported were high blood pressure (51.1%), osteoarthritis (37.2%), diabetes (22.8%), and heart disease (21.8%). Mean FI was .153; 22.9 per cent were frail (FI > 0.21). Females reported higher levels of pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression than males; females also reported lower levels of education and income. Mean self-rated health was similar for males and females, but a higher proportion of men reported optimal health across the EQ-5D-5L dimensions. Discussion Our study provides benchmark and baseline data helpful to others planning primary care for older adults.