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Gender differences in the utilisation of optometric services in Victoria
1Optometrists Association Australia, Victorian Division, PO Box 1045, Fitzroy North, VIC 3068, Australia.
Clinical & Experimental Optometry
|April 6, 2005
Summary
Men utilize optometric services less than women, even when eye condition incidence is similar. Attitudinal differences in healthcare-seeking behavior significantly contribute to this gender disparity in eye care utilization.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Medicare and population data reveal significant gender disparities in healthcare utilization.
- Three primary hypotheses explain these differences: access, incidence, and attitudes toward seeking care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gender differences in optometric service utilization in Victoria.
- To test hypotheses regarding access, incidence, and attitudinal factors contributing to these disparities.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Medicare and population data on optometric service utilization by gender.
- Comparison of utilization rates with incidence and prevalence data for eye conditions.
- Evaluation of the explanatory power of access, incidence, and attitudinal factors.
Main Results:
- Men are 28% less likely than women to use optometric services in Victoria.
- Utilization increases with age for both genders, but gender differences persist post-childhood.
- Gender differences in the incidence or prevalence of eye conditions do not adequately explain utilization disparities.
Conclusions:
- Attitudinal differences in healthcare-seeking behavior between genders are a significant factor in optometric service utilization.
- Further research into gender-specific attitudes towards eye care is warranted.