Work

Bridging geographical disparities across 368 townships with healthcare system and socioeconomic factors in Taiwan

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: A universal health insurance program such as the National Health Insurance in Taiwan offers a wide coverage and increased access to healthcare services. Despite its ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare accessibility, differences in health for people living in urban and resource-deprived areas remain substantial. To investigate the longitudinal impact of the healthcare system and other potential structural drivers such as education and economic development on geographical disparities in health, we designed a panel study with longitudinal open secondary data, covering all 368 townships in Taiwan between 2013 and 2017. Our findings indicated higher mortality rates in the mountainous and rural areas near the east and south regions of the island in both years. Multivariate analyses showed an increase in the density of primary care physicians (PCP) was associated with lower all-cause mortality (β = - 0.72, p < 0.0001) and cardiovascular disease mortality (β = - 0.41, p < 0.0001). Effect of PCP is evident, but merely focusing on access to healthcare is still not enough. Additional measures are warranted to address the health disparities existing between urban and underprivileged areas.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42124-y

Authors: Chia-Ling Hsieh, Chia-Yu Chung, Hsin-Yu Chen, Shwn-Huey Shieh, Ming-Shun Hsieh, Vivian Chia-Rong Hsieh

Institutions: China Medical University, China Medical University Hospital, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei Veterans General Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Health disparities and outcomes

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,390