Abstract
The aim of the present study was to assess social inequalities in health status, health behavior and the use of health services based on education level. A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out involving 1,518 elderly residents of Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil. Significant demographic and social differences were found between schooling strata. Elderly individuals with a higher degree of schooling are in greater proportion alcohol drinkers, physically active, have healthier diets and a lower prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, dizziness, headaches, back pain, visual impairment and denture use, and better self-rated health. But, there were no differences in the use of health services in the previous two weeks, in hospitalizations or surgeries in the previous year, nor in medicine intake over the previous three days. Among elderly people with hypertension and diabetes, there were no differences in the regular use of health services and medication. The results demonstrate social inequalities in different health indicators, along with equity in access to some health service components.
Highlights
The aim of the present study was to assess social inequalities in health status, health behavior and the use of health services based on education level
Considering the available literature on health inequalities among the elderly, the aim of the present study was to determine the magnitude of social inequality in health status, health-related behavior and use of health services among elderly individuals, seeking to assess the degree of social disparity in different health dimensions and offer information that may assist in the drafting of interventions
Among the 1,558 elderly individuals identified in the pre-survey, 2.3% refused to participate in the study
Summary
The aim of the present study was to assess social inequalities in health status, health behavior and the use of health services based on education level. Individuals with a higher degree of schooling are in greater proportion alcohol drinkers, physically active, have healthier diets and a lower prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, dizziness, headaches, back pain, visual impairment and denture use, and better self-rated health. There were no differences in the use of health services in the previous two weeks, in hospitalizations or surgeries in the previous year, nor in medicine intake over the previous three days. Among elderly people with hypertension and diabetes, there were no differences in the regular use of health services and medication. The results demonstrate social inequalities in different health indicators, along with equity in access to some health service components
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