A study on the current state and equity level of social participation ability among older adults in Henan Province, China

Background The social participation ability among older adults (SPAOA) plays an important role in enhancing their quality of life and utilization of medical services. This study aimed to evaluate the current state and equity level of SPAOA in Henan Province, China, as well as explore the factors associated with the current state and equity level of SPAOA. Methods This study analyzed data from the “2019 Henan Provincial Older Adults Ability Assessment Survey”, which included 4,593 older people (over 60 years old). The relationships among the SPAOA indicators were explored using the Structural Equation Model (SEM). The Dynamic Material Element Analysis (DMA) and Logistic Regression (LR) were used to examine the current state of SPAOA and its associated factors. The equity level of SPAOA and its correlated factors were determined using the concentration index and T Theil index. Results SPAOA received an overall score of 91.89 ± 9.83. Daily living, perception ability and mental state were positively correlated with SPAOA ( r = 0.13, 0.83, 0.11, all P < 0.05). Results of LR indicated that the most significant predictors of SPAOA were age, education level, pre-retirement occupation, and income (all P < 0.05). The concentration index of SPAOA based on age and income were -0.0058 and 0.0096, respectively. SPAOA had a total T Theil index of 0.030–0.031, and the contribution rate of the difference within the group was greater than 94%. Conclusions While the overall level of SPAOA has been demonstrated to be outstanding, persons with a higher educational level and income are likely to benefit the most. The observed unequal distribution of SPAOA is primarily related to disparities in age or income within the group. To better serve older adults and improve their position and equity in terms of social participation ability, policymakers could emphasize older males with little income who live in urban areas, as well as unhealthy older females who live in rural residences.