Health Care Utilization Inequity in Israel
Author Information
Author(s): Shadmi Efrat, Balicer Ran D, Kinder Karen, Abrams Chad, Weiner Jonathan P
Primary Institution: Clalit Research Institute
Hypothesis
This study tests different approaches to morbidity adjustment in explanation of health care utilization inequity.
Conclusion
The study found that low socioeconomic status is linked to higher primary care usage but not to specialty care when adjusting for overall morbidity burden.
Supporting Evidence
- Low socioeconomic status was associated with higher morbidity burden.
- Persons of low socioeconomic status had greater odds of above average resource use for primary care and specialist visits.
- Adjustment for overall morbidity burden showed that low socioeconomic status was no longer associated with greater odds of specialty care.
Takeaway
People with less money often go to the doctor more for regular check-ups but not for special treatments, which is surprising.
Methodology
The study used logistic regression models to analyze health care utilization among a representative sample of Clalit Health Services enrolees.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on data registered during patient visits, which may miss non-clinically measured aspects of health.
Limitations
The measure of low SES is only a proxy and does not incorporate important information on education, income, and wealth components.
Participant Demographics
The sample included adults aged 18 or older, with a mean age of 45.8 years and 52% female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
CI: 0.94-0.99
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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