Physical therapy care utilization and associated sociodemographic and clinical factors among noncommunicable diseases in the brazilian population: A cross-sectional, population-based study

INTRODUCTION: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are currently the leading cause of disability worldwide. In Brazil, NCDs are among the top 10 causes of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). A better understanding of the profiles of patients who frequently use physical therapy is needed to enhance access. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the use of physical therapy care and associated factors among individuals with NCDs in the Brazilian population. METHODS: This is a subanalysis of the 2019 National Health Survey database among 88,531 Brazilians with NCDs. A multiple logistic regression model was created, and data were reported as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). RESULTS: Stroke showed the highest rate of physical therapy utilization (17.0%; 95% CI: 15.4%, 18.7%), and the associated factors were follow-up by a healthcare professional (OR: 5.6; 95% CI: 2.3, 13.7) and use of pharmacotherapy (OR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.2, 6.7). In chronic back pain, associated factors were follow-up by a healthcare professional (OR: 7.9; 95% CI: 6.8, 9.2), use of pharmacotherapy (OR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.6, 2.2), age ≥60 years (OR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.4, 2.5), and severe activity limitation or worse (OR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.2, 1.8). In chronic respiratory diseases, associated factors were follow-up by a healthcare professional (OR: 5.6; 95% CI: 1.6, 26.3) and Asian/Indigenous race (OR: 23.3; 95% CI: 1.13, 480.8). CONCLUSION: Follow-up by a healthcare professional was the only factor common to all three NCDs. Pharmacotherapy was associated with physical therapy use in stroke and chronic back pain, while older age, severe limitation, and race associated with chronic respiratory diseases.