Impact of Taiwan's National Health Insurance on Women's Prenatal Care Choices
Author Information
Author(s): Chen Likwang, Chen Chi-Liang, Yang Wei-Chih
Primary Institution: National Health Research Institutes
Hypothesis
How has Taiwan's National Health Insurance program influenced women's choice of prenatal care facilities in rural versus non-rural areas?
Conclusion
Women in rural areas are more likely to seek prenatal care in large hospitals but do not perceive improved transportation convenience compared to women in non-rural areas.
Supporting Evidence
- Women in rural areas were more likely to choose large hospitals for prenatal care services after the NHI was implemented.
- The relative probability of choosing large hospitals for rural women increased significantly from the early 1990s to the late 1990s.
- Women in non-rural areas reported improved transportation convenience for prenatal care in the late 1990s.
Takeaway
This study found that women in rural areas are choosing larger hospitals for prenatal care, but they feel that getting to these hospitals is not any easier than before.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from a national survey conducted in 2000, comparing women's choices of prenatal care facilities before and after the implementation of the NHI.
Potential Biases
Potential recall bias due to reliance on mothers' memories of past prenatal care experiences.
Limitations
The study is limited by recall bias and the inability to control for unobserved characteristics affecting women's choices.
Participant Demographics
The sample included mothers of children born between 1990 and 1999, with a focus on differences between rural and non-rural areas.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website