[Utilization of health services]

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Public Health
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Health services utilization is influenced by socio-demographic factors, healthcare organization, and individual health status.
• Previous studies highlight various determinants, but a comprehensive review is needed, especially for primary care.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for equitable healthcare access and resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the main findings of studies on health services utilization.
• To emphasize the role of primary health care in utilization patterns.
• To discuss methodological limitations and equity issues in utilization research.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature on health services utilization.
• Analysis focused on primary health care utilization.
• Discussion of methodological challenges and equity considerations.

Main Results:

• Individual health status, reflecting health services need, is the strongest predictor of health services utilization.
• Socio-demographic factors and healthcare system characteristics play a minor role when analyzed together with health status.
• The association between health status and utilization is less pronounced for preventive visits.

Conclusions:

• Health status is the paramount determinant of health services utilization.
• Healthcare policy should prioritize addressing health needs to improve access.
• Further research is needed to address methodological limitations and ensure equity in healthcare utilization.