The influence of socioeconomic status on health service utilisation by patients with AIDS in North Italy

Evidence for an association between socioeconomic status (SES) and health service utilisation (HSU) by patients with AIDS is examined using data for an Italian AIDS study population. A composite measure of SES which takes into account several key variables was developed using Multiple Correspondence Analysis. A classification of SES categories (high, medium-high, medium-low, low) was constructed and resource utilisation across the categories compared. The study population were patients with AIDS referred to 10 AIDS clinics in the study area in North-East Italy. A questionnaire survey was undertaken over the period January to June 1994, and was completed by 555 patients. Statistical analysis was conducted, using log-linear modelling, of health service utilisation (covering inpatient and day care) by SES categories, illness severity and HIV transmission route group. The analysis demonstrated that SES has a statistically significant association with variation in HSU, secondary in importance to severity of illness. This finding has important implications for future care planning for HIV/AIDS in Italy, and potentially in other countries. Further research is needed to examine the relationship between SES and health service utilisation and costs in Italy and in other European countries.