Abstract
Objective:
to investigate prevalence and factors associated with not consulting a physician
in the last 12 months in Rio Grande, RS, Brazil, 2016.
Methods:
this was a population-based cross-sectional study, using Poisson regression for multivariate analysis.
Results:
a total of 1,297 individuals took part in the study; average age was 46 years old (SD=17, ranging from 18 to 96); and median per capita family income was BRL 1,000 in the last month (IQR: 600 - 1,760); prevalence of non-consultation in the last 12 months was 20.0% (95%CI 17.5;22.6); associated factors, after adjusting for potential confounders, were male sex, being single, having low schooling, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, having fewer comorbidities, and having no health plan.
Conclusion:
one in five individuals did not consult a doctor in the last 12 months; use of this service was lower among the poorest and those with a poorer lifestyle.
Keywords:
Equity; Medical Care; Health Services Accessibility; Health Services Research; Cross-Sectional Studies