تحليل الفضاء الجغرافي لنسب كبار السن وفرص الوصول إلى الخدمات الصحية في محافظة بغداد باستخدام التقنيات الحديثة

أ.م.د. زينب محمد أمين

doi:10.31185/eduj.Vol59.Iss1.4295

Authors

Asst. Prof. Dr. Zainab Mohammed Ameen Al-Iraqia University, College of Arts

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31185/eduj.Vol59.Iss1.4295

Keywords:

Elderly – Geographic Space – Accessibility Index to Health Services

Abstract

This study examines the spatial distribution of the elderly population (aged 60 years and above) and their access to health services in the districts of Baghdad Governorate. With demographic changes resulting from declining birth and death rates and increasing survival rates, the needs of the elderly have become a key focus in health services planning. The research aims to assess the availability of health services, identify the barriers that elderly individuals face in accessing these services, and propose solutions to improve these opportunities.

Data were collected from field questionnaires and demographic studies conducted in 2024, with a total of 465 questionnaires, of which 15 were excluded. The analysis relied on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to identify spatial disparities and calculate accessibility indicators using Python programming after processing the questionnaires with SPSS. The results revealed significant disparities in the distribution of the elderly and their access to health services. Districts such as Tarmiyah and Mada’in recorded the lowest indicators due to weak health facilities, transportation difficulties, and a shortage of specialized medical staff. In contrast, districts like Adhamiya and Karkh achieved high accessibility indicators thanks to well-developed infrastructure and advanced health services.

The study concluded that intervention is necessary to improve access to health services in low-performing districts through the establishment of additional health facilities, enhancement of transportation networks, and expansion of specialized health services.

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