Page 157 - Petelin, Ana, Nejc Šarabon, eds. 2018. Zdravje starostnikov ▪︎ Health of the Elderly. Zbornik povzetkov z recenzijo ▪︎ Book of Abstracts. Koper: Založba Univerze na Primorskem/University of Primorska Press
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elderly's trust and distrust of health professionals posterji | poster presentations
Tjaša Hrovat, Neli Kovšca
University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Polje 42, 6310 Izola, Slovenia
The number of senior citizens is constantly growing all over the world. Until
2025, the number of people over the age of 65 is predicted to break 1.2 bil-
lion, and until 2050, two billion people around the world will be over 65. In Eu-
rope, this represents a massive economic and social challenge. An even high-
er prevalence of chronic and mental illnesses, comorbid and physical disorders
is to be expected. The key role in ensuring a high-quality care for the elderly is
played by health professionals, who develop a trust-based relation with senior
citizens. However, these professionals often have to encounter the seniors’ dis-
trust of health services. Studies have shown that the distrust of health profes-
sionals is growing, but the actual level of distrust and its causes have not been
determined yet. The results of the study in the United States show that distrust
in the health system is dependent on an individual's poor health assessment.
Patient’s trust in nurses depends largely on their knowledge and the ability to
create and develop relationships.
Keywords: the elderly, health professional, trust, distrust.

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