The Influence of Access Barriers on Outpatient Services Use among Low-income Households in Malaysia.
Aim: Many people, particularly those from low-income and marginalised communities, face barriers when accessing healthcare services. Therefore, this study examined the influence of household characteristics and perceived access barriers on the utilisation of outpatient services among low-income hou...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
ACHSM
2025-02-01
|
| Series: | Asia Pacific Journal of Health Management |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journal.achsm.org.au/index.php/achsm/article/view/2737 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | Aim: Many people, particularly those from low-income and marginalised communities, face barriers when accessing healthcare services. Therefore, this study examined the influence of household characteristics and perceived access barriers on the utilisation of outpatient services among low-income households living in urban and rural areas.
Methods: This cross-sectional study employed 454 university students as proxies for low-income households. Data on household characteristics, perceived household medical needs and perceived access barriers were collected using online and printed questionnaire forms. The measure of perceived access barriers included items that represented various dimensions, including personal barriers, structural barriers, financial barriers, perceived triviality, accessibility, and time limitations.
Main findings: The distance between household dwellings and public healthcare facilities as well as perceived household medical needs significantly influenced the use of outpatient care for urban and rural households. However, the influence of employment status and household size was only significant among urban households. In terms of perceived access barriers, financial barriers were found to have a negative influence on the use of outpatient services among urban households, while time limitations were strongly associated with reduced outpatient use among rural households. Perceived triviality and accessibility also exhibited statistical significance in influencing the use of outpatient services among urban and rural households, with moderate to large effect sizes.
Conclusion: The findings of this study provided valuable insights into the use of outpatient services, accessibility and barriers encountered by low-income households living in urban and rural areas. Efforts to improve access are crucial in addressing health inequities and promoting a more just and equitable society.
|
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1833-3818 2204-3136 |