Relationship of behavioral risk factors for chronic diseases and preventive health services utilization among adults, aged 50+, from eleven European countries

Aim The current study aims to assess the relationship between behavioral risk factors (BRFs) for chronic diseases and preventive health services utilization among European adults. Subjects and Methods We used data from 16,125 adults, aged 50+ years, from 11 countries participating in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (2004/05). Prevalence of BRFs (high body weight, smoking, physical inactivity and risky alcohol consumption) was examined in relation to preventive health services utilization, which was assessed via a 12-component score (PHSUs) (scale: 0–100). Estimations were based on the complex study design. Results Of the participants, 90.7% were seeing a general practitioner (GP) and 52.7% had 2+ BRFs. Adults with high body weight had lower odds of seeing a dentist (0.75, p