Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional analytical study explores the predictors of the healthcare utilization in the adult population with cardiovascular diseases. METHODOLOGY: The research was carried out as part of the fourth Serbian National Health Survey, in the period from October to December 2019, as a descriptive, cross-sectional analytical study and included the population of cardiovascular patients (N = 4,712) aged over 20 years; Descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including percentage-based structure indicators, Chi-square (χ2) tests for categorical variable differences, and prevalence ratio for examining relationships between dependent and independent variables, were used in the data analysis. RESULTS: The analysis identified several significant contributors to cardiovascular healthcare utilization, emphasizing distinct and overlapping factors that impact various types of healthcare use. The chi-square test had shown that predominantly, each form of healthcare utilization was most prevalent among the 60-69 age group (general practitioner visits: 33.9%, specialist visits: 33.1%, hospitalization: 31.4%, p < 0.001). Self-assessment of general health (bad/very bad) and the presence of multiple chronic conditions (multimorbidity) were positively associated with general practitioner (PR = 1.037(1.001-1.075); p = 0.044, PR = 1.077(1.039-1.117); p < 0.001), specialist visits (PR = 1.381(1.281-1.490); p < 0.001, PR = 1.279(1.181-1.385); p < 0.001) and hospitalization (PR = 4.346(3.272-5.772); p < 0.001, PR = 2.018(1.517-2.685); p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Sociodemographic, socioeconomic factors and some aspects of health status have a significant impact on the cardiovascular healthcare, thereby precise recommendations for facilitating appropriate healthcare utilization should be established. A top priority for academics, physicians and public health specialists is to keep emphasizing the significance of sociodemographic determinants in lowering cardiovascular complications, as well as strengthening cardiovascular healthcare.