Personality, Healthcare Use and Costs—A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Thus far, there is a lack of a systematic review synthesizing empirical studies that analyze the link between personality factors and healthcare use (HCU) or costs. Consequently, the purpose of our systematic review is to give an overview of empirical findings from observational studies examining the association between personality factors and HCU or costs. Methods: PubMed, PsycINFO, and NHS EED (NHS Economic Evaluation Database) were searched. Observational studies examining the association between personality factors and HCU costs by using validated tools were included. Two reviewers performed study selection and data extraction and evaluated the study quality. Findings were synthesized qualitatively. Results: In total, n = 15 studies (HCU, n = 14; cost studies, n = 1) were included in the final synthesis. A few studies point to an association between conscientiousness and HCU (with mixed evidence). Some more evidence was found for an association between higher agreeableness, higher extraversion, and higher openness to experience and increased HCU. The majority of studies analyzed found a link between higher neuroticism and increased HCU. Conclusion: Personality factors, and particularly neuroticism, are associated with HCU. This knowledge is important to manage healthcare use. However, future research based on longitudinal data and studies investigating the link between personality characteristics and costs are required.

The Role of Country-Level Availability and Generosity of Healthcare Services, and Old-Age Ageism for Missed Healthcare during the COVID-19 Pandemic Control Measures in Europe

“…There is also evidence that higher neuroticism increases rates of forgone healthcare. This finding concords with research suggesting that individuals higher in neuroticism tend to seek out more medical appointments and visits (Hajek et al, 2017(Hajek et al, , 2020, raising the amounts of potential medical services that might be forgone. Furthermore, higher neuroticism might accentuate feelings of risk regarding potential COVID-19 infection, raising the probability that a medical service is forgone to avoid possible infection.…”

“…Self-perceived health relates closely to morbidity and indicates need for regular medical care. Neuroticism has been associated with increased medical appointments and visits (Hajek et al, 2017(Hajek et al, , 2020. Beyond perceived need for medical care, neuroticism might affect sentiments of risk of COVID-19 infection during medical appointments and treatments.…”

Factors Contributing to Persistent Frequent Attendance in Primary Care Among the Oldest Old: Longitudinal Evidence From the AgeCoDe-AgeQualiDe Study

“…Similarly, we cannot generalize our results to older individuals living in rural settings. Lastly, the possibility cannot be dismissed that other factors may exist that contribute to persistent frequent attendance among the oldest old [e.g., neuroticism ( 46 )].…”

Association between purpose in life and healthcare use among women and men in Germany: cross-sectional analysis of the nationally representative German Socio-Economic Panel (GSOEP) study

“…Even after adjusting for the factors included in the Andersen model, previous studies have demonstrated that psychosocial factors or personality-related factors are important for HCU 3–6. Nevertheless, the association between purpose in life and HCU remains largely unexplored.…”