Impact of indirect cost on access to healthcare utilization
Journal Title: International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health - Year 2015, Vol 4, Issue 9
Abstract
Background: Majority of the citizens in developing country like India seeks healthcare in private facilities. In spite of several sustainable measures taken by the government, public healthcare facilities often face various problems, including worker absenteeism and dual public–private practice, low demand for their use, and shortages of supplies and staff. In contrast, private healthcare varies greatly in quality of care, being unregulated and financed largely through out-of- pocket payments. Accessibility, affordability, and availability to healthcare services are the significant factors in improving utilization of public health facilities. Objectives: This study explores the challenges faced in healthcare sector especially in terms of indirect cost (user fees) incurred by the rural households of rural Karnataka in seeking a public health care center. Materials and Methods: A set of well-structured questionnaire was administered to examine the indirect cost incurred by the households in terms of travel cost, waiting cost, and out-of-pocket expenditure. A total of 600 samples were randomly collected. To study the demand for healthcare services provided by public hospitals in rural Karnataka, regression was employed. Results: Findings explains that odds ratio is higher for the nearest healthcare center than that in the next village, which specifies that accessibility to the nearest center is more significant than that in the next village. It is inferred that when distance increases, accessibility to public hospitals is impossible every time. In case of waiting time and out-of-pocket expenditure, both are statistically significant to use. Conclusion: The economic performance of the healthcare services is crucially linked to the overall economic well -being of country and its citizens; there is a need for alternative option to come out of this indirect cost incurred by rural households.
Authors and Affiliations
Ganesh L
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP101045
- DOI 10.5455/ijmsph.2015.28012015258
- Views 130
- Downloads 0
Histopathological analysis of non-neoplastic lesions of ovary: A study at tertiary care hospital in western region of India
Background: Ovarian lesions being asymptomatic in nature and very difficult to distinguish between benign or malignant by radiology or clinically, histopathological analysis becomes necessary. Nowadays, due to changing l...
Seroprevalence of hepatitis C in renal failure patients on maintenance hemodialysis – Study in a tertiary care hospital – Western India
Background: Hepatitis C is endemic in most parts of the world. It is a blood borne infection, which has a significant impact in treatment and outcome of renal failure patients undergoing dialysis. Objective: To d...
A longitudinal study to assess the survival of low-birth-weight neonates born in a tertiary hospital, Ahmedabad
Background : Birth weight is the most important predictor of the survival chances, growth, and development of a newborn child. It also predicts perinatal, neonatal, and infant mortality rates and child survival index...
Microbiological analysis of packaged drinking water sold in Chennai
Background: Adequate supply of fresh and clean drinking water is a basic need for all human beings. In terms of public and environmental health, it is essential that water sources be free of pathogenic bacteria and saf...
Is iodine deficiency still a big threat? A descriptive cross-sectional study on iodine deficiency disorders among children aged 6–12 years in Shimoga district, Karnataka, India
Background: Iodine is an essential trace element for adults and children alike. Iodine deficiency manifests as goiter and cretinism, which causes developmental delays and other health problems. Objectives: To asce...