Factors associated with the frequency of medical consultations by older adults: a national study

• Published in: Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da U S P Vol. 54; p. e03544
• Main Authors: Meier, Joyce Grabher, Cabral, Luciane Patrícia Andreani, Zanesco, Camila, Grden, Clóris Regina Blanski, Fadel, Cristina Berger, Bordin, Danielle
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem 01-01-2020; SciELO
• Subjects: Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Geriatric Nursing; Health of the Elderly; Health Services; Health Status; Health Surveys; Hospitalization - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Indicators of Health Services; Interdisciplinary Placement; Male; Middle Aged; NURSING; Office Visits - statistics & numerical data; Patient Acceptance of Health Care - statistics & numerical data; Self Concept; Sex Factors; Anciano; Health Services; Enfermería Geriátrica; Idoso; Serviços De Saúde; Geriatric Nursing; Prácticas Interdisciplinarias; Servicios De Salud; Interdisciplinary Placement; Práticas Interdisciplinares; Enfermagem Geriátrica; Salud Del Anciano; Indicadores De Servicios; Saúde Do Idoso; Health of the Elderly; Aged; Indicadores De Serviços; Indicators of Health Services
• ISSN: 0080-6234; 1980-220X; 1980-220X
• DOI: 10.1590/S1980-220X2018048103544

To analyze factors associated with the high frequency of medical consultations (five or more consultations) among older adult participants of the National Health Survey - 2013.
A quantitative cross-sectional study conducted with data from individuals aged 60 years and over (n = 19,503). The outcome variable came from the question: 'How many times have you consulted the doctor in the last 12 months? Fifty-seven (57) independent variables were listed. The Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis software program was used in the analysis. The data set was balanced and the dimensionality reduction test was performed. The variables which were strongly related to the dependent variable were analyzed using logistic regression.
The independent variables listed were strongly related to the outcome variables: female gender, negative self-perception of health condition, inability to perform usual activities for health reasons, diagnosis of chronic disease, seeking health services for health-related care, and hospitalization.
The results reflect the relevance of expanding and qualifying services through effective prevention, protection and health promotion actions.