Prospective patterns of modifiable health risk behaviors and the utilization of healthcare services in the “Health Workers Cohort Study” in Mexico

INTRODUCTION: We still lack information about how changes in modifiable health risk behaviors influence the utilization of healthcare services. This study assesses the relationships between prospective patterns of modifiable health risk behaviors and the utilization of healthcare services. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective study among men and women participants in the Health Workers Cohort Study, aged 18 years and older. The following data about modifiable health risk behaviors was collected in two waves of the study (2004–2006 and 2010–2012): 1) physical activity, b) consumption of fruit and vegetables, 3) alcohol, and 4) tobacco consumption, to determine the association between the utilization of healthcare services after 6 years of follow-up (period 2010–2012). Information was collected through self-administered questionnaires; clinical and anthropometric variables were measured following standard procedures. Analyses were conducted using zero-inflated negative binomial regression models. RESULTS: Participants with a pattern of consumption of < 3 portions of fruits and vegetables per day (p = 0.035) and did not meet recommended levels of PA (p = 0.013) during the two waves of the study had fewer preventative consultations; those who quit smoking reported a higher frequency of preventative consultations (p = 0.021) and more visits with a medical specialist (p = 0.048). Participants who reduced alcohol consumption to low or completely stopped its consumption reported fewer visits to the general physician (p = 0.031), p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in prospective patterns of modifiable health risk behaviors influenced the use of healthcare services after 6 years of follow-up. Findings in this study could be useful to determine possible demands of healthcare services among populations with specific modifiable health risk behaviors.