AUTHOR=Harju Erika , Speierer Alexandre , Jungo Katharina Tabea , Levati Sara , Baggio Stéphanie , Tancredi Stefano , Noor Nazihah , Rodondi Pierre-Yves , Cullati Stéphane , Imboden Medea , Keidel Dirk , Witzig Melissa , Frank Irène , Kohler Philipp , Kahlert Christian , Crivelli Luca , Amati Rebecca , Albanese Emiliano , Kaufmann Marco , Frei Anja , von Wyl Viktor , Puhan Milo A. , Probst-Hensch Nicole , Michel Gisela , Rodondi Nicolas , Chocano-Bedoya Patricia 

TITLE=Changes in Healthcare Utilization During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Potential Causes—A Cohort Study From Switzerland

JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 68 - 2023

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2023.1606010

DOI=10.3389/ijph.2023.1606010

ISSN=1661-8564

ABSTRACT=Objectives: To describe the frequency of and reasons for changes in healthcare utilization in those requiring ongoing treatment, and to assess characteristics associated with change, during the second wave of the pandemic.Methods: Corona Immunitas e-cohort study (age ≥20 years) participants completed monthly questionnaires. We compared participants reporting a change in healthcare utilization with those who did not using descriptive and bivariate statistics. We explored characteristics associated with the number of changes using negative binomial regression.Results: The study included 3190 participants from nine research sites. One-fifth reported requiring regular treatment. Among these, 14% reported a change in healthcare utilization, defined as events in which participants reported that they changed their ongoing treatment, irrespective of the reason. Reasons for change were medication changes and side-effects, specifically for hypertension, or pulmonary embolism treatment. Females were more likely to report changes (Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR)=1.69, p=0.030). Those with hypertension were least likely to report changes (IRR=0.45, p=0.092).Conclusion: Few of those requiring regular treatment reported changes in healthcare utilization. Continuity of care for females and chronic diseases besides hypertension must be emphasized.