[Are there class-specific disadvantages in utilization of medical rehabilitation?]

Many studies prove the fact that the risk for morbidity and mortality is increased in lower social classes. Most chronical diseases also accumulate in lower classes. However, data are missing as to whether this social disadvantage also affects the use of medical rehabilitation, which could supply support in dealing with the consequences of such diseases. On the basis of questionnaire data of 3021 insures of the LVA pension insurance fund for workers, it was examined whether there are class specific differences in the need for medical rehabilitation and in the intention of insures to apply for such a measure and which kind of class specific barriers and attitudes may hinder the application. The results first of all confirm that insured of lower social classes are specially health strained and have a particular demand for rehabilitative offers. The insured, however, quite rarely rate themselves as requiring rehabilitation, whereas there is no significant class specific difference in the intention to apply for rehabilitation. There are significant differences in the attitudes which influence application for medical rehabilitation. Above all, there are economic considerations and job-related fears which hinder lower class insurees to apply for medical rehabilitation. This calls for action regarding implementation of special screenings and counselling.