Effects of gender, physical activity, weight status, and mental health symptomatology on primary care utilization

Author

John W. Carew, University of VermontFollow
Jaime Cotton, University of VermontFollow
Hannah Shoshan, University of VermontFollow
Alex Gevirtz, University of VermontFollow
Thomas Delaney, University of VermontFollow
Donna O'Malley, University of VermontFollow

Date of Publication

2022

Faculty Mentor

Thomas Delaney, Donna O'Malley

Abstract

Objectives. To determine the association between weight status, gender, physical activity, and mental health symptomatology on utilizing primary care in the last year.

Methods. We used data from the 2019 Vermont Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. We used multivariate logistic regression and X² tests of association to assess factors associated with primary care utilization.

Results. Gender and obese or overweight status are significantly associated with one’s likelihood of utilizing healthcare in the past year. For those with 1-13 bad mental health days, the odds of having utilized healthcare in the past year are 1.65 times greater among women than men, and 1.86 times greater among people who are obese or overweight than among those who are not obese or overweight.

Conclusions. Obese or overweight adults and women with a more significant mental health burden are more likely to utilize primary care. Findings suggest the effectiveness of initiatives addressing the health risk factors of these individuals in the primary care setting.

Document Type

Project

Recommended Citation

Carew, John W.; Cotton, Jaime; Shoshan, Hannah; Gevirtz, Alex; Delaney, Thomas; and O'Malley, Donna, "Effects of gender, physical activity, weight status, and mental health symptomatology on primary care utilization" (2022). Master of Public Health Culminating Projects. 28.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/mphcp/28