Characteristics and Healthcare Utilization of Canadians Living With Participation and Activity Limitations...

Individuals with participation and activity limitations face important healthcare challenges.

We investigated healthcare utilization and characteristics of Canadians living with participation and activity limitations between 2001 and 2010.

We pooled data from 5 cycles of the Canadian Community Health Survey (2001-2010 CCHS). The multistage stratified cluster-sampling method used covered approximately 98% of Canadians, aged 12 years and older residing in private dwellings. We described sociodemographic, behavioral, and health-related characteristics of participants with participation and activity limitations and reported their annual utilization (prevalence; 95% CI) of 7 healthcare providers. Multivariable modified Poisson regression identified individual characteristics associated with healthcare utilization and examined the trends over time.

Annually, 8.1 million Canadians aged 12 years and older (29.8%) reported participation and activity limitations. Most common health conditions were back problems (37%) and arthritis (34%). Predominant healthcare providers were medical doctors (88.8%; 95% CI = 88.6-89.0), nurses (16.3%; 95% CI = 16.1-16.6), physiotherapists (15.0%; 95% CI = 14.7-15.2), and chiropractors (14.4%; 95% CI = 14.2-14.7). Overall, males, older adults, immigrants, those with lower education, lower income, recent employment, and better general health were less likely to consult providers. Over time, utilization of most non-medical providers increased.

Participation and activity limitations are prevalent in Canada, and most consulted medical doctors. Disadvantaged groups reported lower utilization of most providers, emphasizing access challenges and the need for equitable and integrated healthcare policies. Improving access to rehabilitation services and their inclusion within universal healthcare coverage should be a priority.