Social inequalities in the use of preventive healthcare among older women (50+): evidence from ELSI-Brazil.

Abstract

Considering the scenario of Brazilian population aging, marked by the feminization of old age and persistent social inequality in access to and use of health services, this study aims to investigate the association between socioeconomic variables and preventive healthcare among older women (50+), according to the source of health care. This is a cross-sectional study, based on ELSI-Brazil (2015-2016) baseline data. The outcomes were Pap smear; mammography; measurements of cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure; and the exposures of interest were educational level, self-reported skin color, and per capita household income. Odds ratio (OR) were estimated in Logistic regression models. Self-reported skin color, educational level, and per capita household income were frequently associated with outcomes for women with and without private health plans, with a higher prevalence of exams among those who were white and those who had higher educational and income levels. The implementation of public policies and multisectoral actions that tackle the structural determinants of health and improve people's living and working conditions is essential to reducing health inequalities and ensuring the universal right to health.