[Factors related to using health services in Costa Rica].

OBJECTIVE Determining Costa Ricans' behaviour patterns when using health services. METHODS The Costa Rican Health Survey was used. Central tendency, dispersion, percentages, frequencies, Ji-Square and Kruskal-Walis test measurements were analysed. RESULTS Area of residence and income level were the predisposing factors in both out-patient and emergency services whereas educational level was so in terms of hospitalisation service. Health insurance status and the area of residence were the enabling factors associated with using out-patient and hospitalisation services. The need factors associated with outpatient services were the individuals' perceived state of health, having remained in bed at least until noon and suffering some chronic disease; chronic disease was associated with hospitalisation and remaining in bed when using the emergency service. DISCUSSION Most variables postulated by Andersen and Newman's model as being determinants for using health services were present in Costa Rica. Nevertheless, the significance of its factors varied between outpatient, hospitalisation and emergency services.