Health Care Needs and Utilization in Athens
Author Information
Author(s): Pappa Evelina, Niakas Dimitris
Primary Institution: Hellenic Open University
Hypothesis
Need factors are the most important determinant of health care use, while socio-economic factors also play a significant role in differentiating the use of public and private services.
Conclusion
The study found a positive relationship between health care need and the utilization of health services in a mixed public-private health care system.
Supporting Evidence
- Health care need was the strongest factor associated with health service utilization.
- Women, elderly, and individuals with lower physical health status were more likely to use public services.
- Individuals with higher education were more likely to visit private providers.
Takeaway
This study shows that people who feel they need health care are more likely to use health services, and that different groups of people use public and private services in different ways.
Methodology
Data was collected from a representative sample of residents in Athens using the SF-36 Health Survey and logistic regression models to analyze health service utilization.
Potential Biases
Potential underreporting of income and health status may bias the results.
Limitations
The study was limited to the Athens area, which may not represent rural populations, and utilized binary measures of service utilization without assessing service quality.
Participant Demographics
The sample included 53.4% women, with a mean age of 45 years, and varied socio-economic backgrounds.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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