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Patient access to health care and medicines across low-income countries

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  • Srivastava, Divya
  • McGuire, Alistair

Abstract

This study explores the issue of demand for health care and medicines in low-income country settings. Using the World Health Survey, multivariate analysis of cross-sectional household data from 35 low-income countries found that when ill, patient demand for health care to visit a clinic or hospital is inelastic ranging from −0.19 to 0.11. The main determinants of health seeking behaviour include having insurance, having a chronic condition, high household expenditure, and marital status. Women, the educated and those living in urban settings are more likely to seek care in a clinic. These findings suggest low-income patients will experience access problems, raising important policy implications to improve access to health care and medicines in these settings.

Suggested Citation

  • Srivastava, Divya & McGuire, Alistair, 2015. "Patient access to health care and medicines across low-income countries," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 133(C), pages 21-27.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:133:y:2015:i:c:p:21-27
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.03.021
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Kim, Tae Jun & Vonneilich, Nico & Lüdecke, Daniel & von dem Knesebeck, Olaf, 2017. "Income, financial barriers to health care and public health expenditure: A multilevel analysis of 28 countries," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 176(C), pages 158-165.

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