To analyze and compare the characteristics and influencing factors of seeking medical treatment for patients with chronic diseases of different ages in China.

The cross-sectional data of China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) in 2018 were used to select patients with chronic diseases as the study subjects (n=5 231), including 18-44 years old, 45-59 years old, 60-74 years old, and over 75 years old. Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors.

In urban areas, about 60% or more of patients with chronic diseases generally chose to go to the hospital for medical treatment. Multivariate regression analysis showed that patients aged 75 and above were more likely to go to the hospital than those aged 60 to 74 years old. In the subgroup analysis of young, middle-aged and elderly patients with chronic diseases, there were differences in the effects of education level, employment, and income level on the choice of location. In rural areas, about 50% of young, middle-aged and elderly patients with chronic diseases generally chose to seek treatment in primary health care institutions. Multivariate regression analysis showed that in rural areas, chronic patients aged 18-59 were more likely to go to hospital than those aged 60-74 (18-44: OR=1.50, 95%CI: 1.00-2.24, 45-59: OR=1.33, 95%CI: 1.05-1.70). In the subgroup analysis of young, middle-aged and elderly patients with chronic diseases, there were differences in gender, education level, marital status, region, income level, health status, depression status and other factors, while the influence of work status on site selection was similar.

In urban and rural areas, the factors affecting the location choice of chronic diseases of different ages vary. It is suggested to improve the understanding and trust of middle-aged and young people to primary medical institutions, and the advantages of primary medical institutions in providing comprehensive and continuous chronic disease management services should be further consolidated.