RESEARCH THE NEED FOR MEDICAL-SOCIAL SUPPORT AMONG RESIDENTS FROM RISK GROUPS OF ZAVET MUNICIPALITY, RAZGRAD DISTRICT

Abstract

The article presents the results of a research conducted, the purpose of which is to determine the need for
medical and social support among residents of Zavet municipality, Razgrad region. The municipality of Zavet is
among the rapidly depopulating municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria as a result of migration of the young
population, negative natural growth and aging of the population. In conducting the research, the following methods
were used: research and analysis of normative documents and survey. The study by applying the documentary
method showed the following results: the number of persons from risk groups, residents of Zavet municipality is
1760 out of a total of 8938 residents of the municipality; in the municipality of Zavet, persons have been identified
who can be assigned to the following risk groups: children with disabilities, children at risk, persons with
disabilities, adults and old people living alone; in the municipality of Zavet, there are no medical facilities providing
hospital medical care; in the municipality of Zavet, there are two medical facilities providing pre-hospital medical
care and four independent medical practices for dental care; the share of health-insured persons in Zavet
municipality is higher compared to the average for the country; Zavet municipality provides five social services only
in a home environment, and there is no social service in the community providing support outside the home
environment, such as a residential type or a specialized social service, functioning on the territory of the
municipality.
The research conducted among persons from risk groups, by applying the survey method and the analysis of the
results, allows the following conclusions to be made: the persons included in the study from the identified risk
groups indicate that they cannot independently visit a doctor for examination or research (even and if it is an
emergency); respondents indicate that they need help to purchase prescription drugs; the surveyed persons share that
they receive help from relatives and friends, as well as from community members, to carry out everyday activities;
78 out of 89 persons who participated in the research stated categorically that they wish to be provided with
additional help and support through inclusion in a new social service provided by the municipality of Zavet.
Considering the type of identified risk groups among the population of the municipality of Zavet, we consider it
most appropriate to open a new integrated health and social service that would meet the needs of the community