Socioeconomic inequalities in health and healthcare utilization among the elderly in Brazil: results from the 2019 National Health Survey

Abstract

ObjectivesTo assess socioeconomic-related inequalities in health and healthcare utilization among the elderly in Brazil. Study designCross-sectional nationally representative household-based survey. MethodsWe evaluated the Brazilian National Health Survey data collected in 2019. We computed the prevalence of measures of health conditions and healthcare utilization by age-bracket and markers of socioeconomic status—income, educational attainment, and race/ethnicity—among individuals aged 60 or older. We further employed logistic regression models, adjusted for a wide set of covariates, to estimate the relationship between socioeconomic status and those outcomes. ResultsHigher-income and more educated individuals exhibit better health conditions compared to their lower-income and less-educated counterparts within each age bracket. Results from regression models showed strong associations with income and educational attainment for most health conditions: health status, physical activity, difficulties with activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living, and depression. For most conditions, weaker or no associations with race/ethnicity were found. Individuals in the highest income quintile and that completed higher education also had higher odds of having consulted a physician, while high-income individuals had lower odds of having received emergency care at home. ConclusionsThe findings of this study highlight the significant socioeconomic inequalities in the health of the elderly population in Brazil. The substantial and pervasive nature of these inequalities stresses the need for action to address them.