Income-based differences in healthcare utilization in relation to mortality in the Swedish population between 2004-2017: A nationwide register study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Despite universal healthcare, socioeconomic differences in healthcare utilization (HCU) persist in modern welfare states. However, little is known of how HCU inequalities has developed over time. The aim of this study is to assess time trends of differences in utilization of primary and specialized care for the lowest (Q1) and highest (Q5) income quantiles and compare these to mortality.

Methods and findings

Using a repeated cross-sectional register-based study design, data on utilization of (i) primary; (ii) specialized outpatient; and (iii) inpatient care, as well as (iv) cause of death, were linked to family income and sociodemographic control variables (for instance, country of origin and marital status). The study sample comprised all individuals 16 years or

SUBMITTER: Flodin P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10653442 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature