Socioeconomic differences in the use of physician services in Nova Scotia.
OBJECTIVE
Socioeconomic differences in use of physician services in Nova Scotia, Canada were examined.


METHODS
The study was based on survey data, containing information on socioeconomic status, linked to physician claims data. Socioeconomic differences in use of physician services were estimated, adjusted for age, sex, and region of residence.


RESULTS
Large socioeconomic differences were observed in the use of physician services, with use inversely related to both household income and education. These differences remained after adjustment for age, sex, and region.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of physician services is inversely associated with socioeconomic status.
Kephart
G
G
Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Thomas
V S
VS
MacLean
D R
DR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003625:Data Collection; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009674:Nova Scotia; D012923:Social Class