Social relationships and GP use of middle-aged and older adults in Europe: a moderator analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

This paper investigates (1) how social relationships (SRs) relate to the frequency of general practitioner (GP) visits among middle-aged and older adults in Europe, (2) if SRs moderate the association between self-rated health and GP visits, and (3) how the associations vary regarding employment status.

Methods

Data stem from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe project (wave 4, 56 989 respondents, 50 years or older). GP use was assessed by frequency of contacts with GPs in the last 12 months. Predictors were self-rated health and structural (Social Integration Index (SII), social contact frequency) and functional (emotional closeness) aspects of SR. Regressions were used to measure the associations between GP use and those predictors. Sociodemogr

SUBMITTER: Bremer D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5892736 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature