The relationship between self-rated health and health care service use among women veterans in a primary care clinic

Womens Health Issues. 2000 Sep-Oct;10(5):278-85. doi: 10.1016/s1049-3867(00)00056-6.

Abstract

This study examined whether self-rated health predicted health service use among women in an equal access primary care clinic setting. Women veterans (n = 139), 23-76 years of age were administered the PRIME-MD questionnaire at their outpatient clinic (OPC) visit which included a self-rated health item and assessment of symptoms. Number of prospective OPC visits was the outcome variable. Women who had poor/fair health were significantly more likely (OR = 3.25) to have more (>12) OPC visits than women who reported excellent/very good health. We conclude that poor perception of one's health is an important predictor of health care use among women veterans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Middle Aged
  • North Carolina
  • Prospective Studies
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Veterans / statistics & numerical data*
  • Women's Health Services / statistics & numerical data*