@article{
author = "Janković, Janko and Simić, Snežana and Marinković, Jelena",
year = "2010",
abstract = "Background: The aim of this study was to analyse demographic, socio-economic and health status inequalities by gender in the utilization of health services in Serbia. Methods: Data from 2006 National Health Survey for Serbia were used. A total of 14 522 persons from six geographical regions of Serbia aged gt = 20 years were completely interviewed. Logistic regression analyses were used to study the effects of demographic (age, gender, marital status and type of settlement), socio-economic (education and Wealth Index) and health status (self-perceived health) variables on the utilization of health services [visits to general practitioner (GP), private doctor, dentist and hospitalization]. All analyses were carried out separately for males and females. Results: As compared with women (reference category), a lower percentage of men visited a GP [odds ratio (OR)=0.61; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.57-0.65], private doctor (OR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.57-0.67) and dentist (OR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.76-0.87), but there were no gender differences in hospitalization. Both males and females who belong to disadvantaged classes were less likely to have visited a GP, a private doctor or a dentist in 12 months before the interview, regardless of their health status. No inequalities by social class were observed for the hospitalization among persons with poor self-perceived health status, i.e. those in most need. Conclusions: This study has shown that demographic, socio-economic and health status inequalities in the utilization of health services exist in Serbia. Wise health policy with equitable utilization of health services, regardless these inequalities should be a priority in shaping Serbian health care system reform.",
journal = "European Journal of Public Health",
title = "Inequalities that hurt: demographic, socio-economic and health status inequalities in the utilization of health services in Serbia",
pages = "396-389",
number = "4",
volume = "20",
doi = "10.1093/eurpub/ckp189",
url = "conv_940"
}