Factors Associated With The Use of Rehabilitation Therapies Among Brazilian Adults With Chronic Diseases And Functional Limitations: A Cross-Seccional Study

Abstract

Background: Understanding the patterns of rehabilitation therapies among individuals who need them in Brazil can help identify the most vulnerable populations and guide public policies. We aim to analyze the use of rehabilitation therapies among Brazilian adults with chronic conditions and limitations in their daily activities. Methods: This is a population-based survey with data from the 2013 National Health Survey, whose complex sample consisted of three-stage clusters. The outcome considered was the adult population who reported a stroke, arthritis, work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or reported back pain, associated with moderate to very intense limitations of their activities and who have used rehabilitation therapies. A logistic regression model was estimated, with a 95%CI, adjusted for sociodemographic variables. Results: Among Brazilian adults, 24.8% were diagnosed with a stroke, arthritis, WMSD, COPD, or reported back pain. Among these, 34.6% reported having moderate, intense, or very intense limitations in their daily activities due to illnesses, and, among this population, 26.3% performed some rehabilitation therapy related to their conditions. The use of rehabilitation therapies was more frequent among the female population, with higher education, higher socioeconomic status, older, and living in the southern macro-region of Brazil. Conclusions: the low frequency of rehabilitation therapies may be associated with barriers to access health services.