Awareness and utilization of social security schemes among elderly in an urban area of Puducherry district: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: India's elderly population is projected to reach 20% by 2050, underscoring the need for effective social security mechanisms. However, awareness and utilization of these schemes remain suboptimal in many regions. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness and actual utilization of social security schemes among the elderly in an urban area of Puducherry district.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2023 among 260 elderly participants (aged ≥60 years), were selected using simple random sampling technique. The sample size was calculated using a previous study 42.2% prevalence, 6% precision. Data were collected using a pre validated, semi-structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 21.

Results: The mean age of participants was 68 years and 82.6% belonged to below poverty line families. While awareness of at least one scheme was high and the most commonly availed benefit was from the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme. Awareness of transport-related concessions was low (30% for train, 10.4% for bus). Overall, only 40% of eligible participants had utilized at least one social supportive measure. Interestingly, people with lower literacy (49.2%) had utilized the scheme more.

Conclusions: The present study highlights a significant gap between awareness and utilization of social security schemes, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and proactive engagement by frontline health workers to improve access and uptake of social welfare programs among the elderly.