Gender inequalities in the use of health care services, Spain 2006-2017

Objective. To identify the existence of gender inequalities in the use of primary care (PA), emergency care and nursing consultation. Materials and methods. Repeated cross-sectional study using Spanish and European health surveys (2006-2017) to Spanish population aged 16 and over (n= 95 929). Results. The use of three care services was higher among women. Pensioners, as well as unpaid household labour women, with low education level and those of manual social class, were the most likely to use PC. In emergency care, the higher age, the lower probability of use, and living in a rural town was associated with a higher probability of use of emergency care. Unpaid household labour women were the most likely to use nursing care. Conclusions. Studies that analyse gender inequalities in different contexts such as the use of health services care are still necessary, as well as, new management strategies are needed to achieve care equity.