1
|
Zhang Y, Hu M, Xiang B, Yu H, Wang Q. Urban-rural disparities in the association of nitrogen dioxide exposure with cardiovascular disease risk in China: effect size and economic burden. Int J Equity Health 2024; 23:22. [PMID: 38321458 PMCID: PMC10845777 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-024-02117-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Together with rapid urbanization, ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure has become a growing health threat. However, little is known about the urban-rural disparities in the health implications of short-term NO2 exposure. This study aimed to compare the association between short-term NO2 exposure and hospitalization for cardiovascular disease (CVD) among urban and rural residents in Shandong Province, China. Then, this study further explored the urban-rural disparities in the economic burden attributed to NO2 and the explanation for the disparities. METHODS Daily hospitalization data were obtained from an electronic medical records dataset covering a population of 5 million. In total, 303,217 hospital admissions for CVD were analyzed. A three-stage time-series analytic approach was used to estimate the county-level association and the attributed economic burden. RESULTS For every 10-μg/m3 increase in NO2 concentrations, this study observed a significant percentage increase in hospital admissions on the day of exposure of 1.42% (95% CI 0.92 to 1.92%) for CVD. The effect size was slightly higher in urban areas, while the urban-rural difference was not significant. However, a more pronounced displacement phenomenon was found in rural areas, and the economic burden attributed to NO2 was significantly higher in urban areas. At an annual average NO2 concentration of 10 μg/m3, total hospital days and expenses in urban areas were reduced by 81,801 (44,831 to 118,191) days and 60,121 (33,002 to 86,729) thousand CNY, respectively, almost twice as much as in rural areas. Due to disadvantages in socioeconomic status and medical resources, despite similar air pollution levels in the urban and rural areas of our sample sites, the rural population tended to spend less on hospitalization services. CONCLUSIONS Short-term exposure to ambient NO2 could lead to considerable health impacts in either urban or rural areas of Shandong Province, China. Moreover, urban-rural differences in socioeconomic status and medical resources contributed to the urban-rural disparities in the economic burden attributed to NO2 exposure. The health implications of NO2 exposure are a social problem in addition to an environmental problem. Thus, this study suggests a coordinated intervention system that targets environmental and social inequality factors simultaneously.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yike Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- National Institute of Health Data Science of China, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Mengxiao Hu
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- National Institute of Health Data Science of China, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bowen Xiang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- National Institute of Health Data Science of China, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Haiyang Yu
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- National Institute of Health Data Science of China, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
- National Institute of Health Data Science of China, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lin J, Yang D, Zhao X, Xie L, Xiong K, Hu L, Xu Y, Yu S, Huang W, Gong N, Liang X. The action logic of the older adults about health-seeking in South Rural China. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2487. [PMID: 38087231 PMCID: PMC10714459 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17314-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Chinese government has invested significant resources to build many rural healthcare stations. However, in the face of convenient medical paths and accessible medical resources, the utilization rate of health services for older adults in rural areas is surprisingly low. This study explored why health-seeking behavior among older adults in rural China was not active. METHODS Data were collected through participatory rural appraisal (PRA) with 108 participants in 12 villages in southern China. Daily schedule and social and resource mapping were employed to outline the range of activities and the routine of the older adults, as well as in-depth interviews to understand the logic of their healthcare choices. Data collected were analyzed by content analysis. RESULTS Three themes were generated: (1) perceptions of health status (being healthy or sick): the rural older adults used the ability to handle routine chores as a measure of health status; (2) prioritization of solving symptoms over curing diseases: the older adults preferred the informal self-medication to cope with diseases, as long as there were no symptoms and no pain; (3) 'unpredictable' troubles: they tended to favor the 'optimal' solution of keeping their lives in order rather than the best medical treatment options. CONCLUSION This study showed that the medical practices of the rural elderly were profoundly influenced by their perceptions of health and their life experiences. In the face of diseases, they tended to keep their lives in order, preferring self-treatment practices that address symptoms or selectively following medical advice rather than medical and science-based clinical solutions. In the future, the construction of rural health care should focus on changing the 'inaccessibility' of healthcare resources at the subjective level of the rural elderly and develop culturally adaptable health education.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianqiang Lin
- State Key laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dan Yang
- Department of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- State Key laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liqiong Xie
- State Key laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kun Xiong
- State Key laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Hu
- School of Nursing, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Xu
- State Key laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - ShanShan Yu
- State Key laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenyong Huang
- State Key laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ni Gong
- School of Nursing, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xiaoling Liang
- State Key laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jakovljevic M, Chang H, Pan J, Guo C, Hui J, Hu H, Grujic D, Li Z, Shi L. Successes and challenges of China's health care reform: a four-decade perspective spanning 1985-2023. COST EFFECTIVENESS AND RESOURCE ALLOCATION 2023; 21:59. [PMID: 37649062 PMCID: PMC10469830 DOI: 10.1186/s12962-023-00461-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chinese health system remains the crucial one for understanding the wider healthcare landscape across the Global South and in particular the leading Emerging Markets. Purpose of our observation was to understand the inner dynamics of mainland Chinese health reforms adopting a lengthy time horizon. We have analysed the public reports and seminal evidence on Chinese of multiple waves of national health reforms taking place since 1980s in terms of medical care and pharmaceuticals provision and financing. Chinese international trade with ASEAN nations and wider South-East Asia is accelerating its growth after the recovery of trade routes. In terms of health sector this means that global demand and supply of medical goods, services and pharmaceuticals remains largely driven by Chinese domestic developments. Furthermore, Chinese domestic manufacturing and sales of decent quality medical devices and services have grown exponentially. Some temporary pitfalls and increasing in rural-urban inequalities in equity of access and affordability of medical care and pharmaceuticals did take place. Despite these difficulties to generate a balanced development strategy for the largest global market, this is a clear path upwards. Further upcoming improvements expanding health insurance coverage are in strong demand for certain layers of the society. Domestic bottleneck weaknesses yet remain manufacturing, import and market penetration of cutting-edge pharmaceuticals such as monoclonal antibodies and targeted oncology agents. Yet some of these obstacles are likely to be overcome in foreseeable future with the adoption of responsible strategies by governmental agencies in health care arena.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mihajlo Jakovljevic
- Institute of Comparative Economic Studies, Hosei University Faculty of Economics, Tokyo, Japan.
- Department of Global Health Economics and Policy, University of Kragujevac, 34000, Kragujevac, Serbia.
- Institute of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation.
| | - Hanyu Chang
- Department of Medical Insurance, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jay Pan
- HEOA Group, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- School of Public Administration, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chao Guo
- Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Hui
- School of Economics and Management, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao Hu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, SAR, China
| | - Danko Grujic
- Clinic for Cardiac Surgery, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zhong Li
- School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lizheng Shi
- Health Systems Analytics Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xu J, Tian G, Sun J, Liu J, Chen F, Shi Q, Zhang T, Zhang H, He J, Deng F, Zhang B, Wang H, Wu Q, Kang Z. Horizontal inequity trends of health care utilization in rural China after the medicine and healthcare system reform: based on longitudinal data from 2010 to 2018. Int J Equity Health 2023; 22:90. [PMID: 37194035 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-023-01908-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess the effectiveness of China's medicine and health care reform in promoting equity in health care utilization among rural residents, it is necessary to analyze temporal trends in equity in health care utilization among rural residents in China. This study is the first to assess horizontal inequity trends in health care utilization among rural Chinese residents from 2010 to 2018 and provides evidence for improving government health policies. METHODS Longitudinal data obtained from China Family Panel Studies from 2010 to 2018 were used to determine trends in outpatient and inpatient utilization. Concentration index, concentration curve, and horizontal inequity index were calculated to measure inequalities. Decomposition analysis was applied to measure the contribution of need and non-need factors to the unfairness. RESULTS From 2010 to 2018, outpatient utilization among rural residents increased by 35.10%, while inpatient utilization increased by 80.68%. Concentration indices for health care utilization were negative in all years. In 2012, there was an increase in the concentration index for outpatient utilization (CI = -0.0219). The concentration index for inpatient utilization decreased from -0.0478 in 2010 to -0.0888 in 2018. Except for outpatient utilization in 2012 (HI = 0.0214), horizontal inequity indices for outpatient utilization were negative in all years. The horizontal inequity index for inpatient utilization was highest in 2010 (HI = -0.0068) and lowest in 2018 (HI = -0.0303). The contribution of need factors to the inequity exceeded 50% in all years. CONCLUSIONS Between 2010 and 2018, low-income groups in rural China used more health services. This seemingly pro-poor income-related inequality was due in large part to the greater health care need among low-income groups. Government policies aimed at increasing access to health services, particularly primary health care had helped to make health care utilization in rural China more equitable. It is necessary to design better health policies for disadvantaged groups to reduce future inequities in the use of health services by rural populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinpeng Xu
- School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Guomei Tian
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiale Sun
- Xuzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jian Liu
- School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Fangting Chen
- School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qi Shi
- School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hongyu Zhang
- School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jingran He
- School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Fangmin Deng
- School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Bokai Zhang
- School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Haixin Wang
- School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qunhong Wu
- School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zheng Kang
- School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Xu X, Yang W, Deng Y, Liu L, Zhang X, Long C, Dong T, Zeng J, Kui J, Wu X. Association of socioeconomic status with glycated haemoglobin level and risk factors for diabetic retinopathy: a cross-sectional study in Sichuan, western China. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e067475. [PMID: 36797020 PMCID: PMC9936295 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Diabetes affects 1 in 10 adults in China. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a diabetes-related complication that, if untreated, impairs vision and causes blindness. Evidence on DR diagnosis and risk factors is limited. This study aimed to add evidence from socioeconomic factors. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey of people with diabetes conducted in 2019 was analysed by using logistic regression to evaluate the association of socioeconomic factors with the glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level and DR. SETTING Five counties/districts of western China (Sichuan) were included. PARTICIPANTS Registered participants with diabetes aged from 18 to 75 years were selected, and at last 2179 participants were included in the analysis. RESULTS In this cohort, 37.13% (adjusted value 36.52%), 19.78% (adjusted value 19.59%) and 17.37% of participants had HbA1c<7.0%, DR (24.96% of those in the high-HbA1c group) and non-proliferative DR, respectively. Participants with higher social health insurance coverage (urban employee insurance (UEI)), higher income and urban residents tended to have glycaemic control (HbA1c) compared with their counterparts (OR: 1.48, 1.08 and 1.39, respectively). Participants with UEI or higher income had a lower risk of DR (OR: 0.71 and 0.88, respectively); higher education was associated with a 53%-69% decreased risk of DR. CONCLUSION This study shows disparities in the effect of socioeconomic factors on glycaemic (HbA1c) management and DR diagnosis among people with diabetes in Sichuan. Lower socioeconomic (especially non-UEI) status conferred a higher risk of high HbA1c and DR. The insights from this study indicate the need for national programmes to implement community-level measures to facilitate access to better HbA1c management and early detection of DR in patients with lower socioeconomic status and diabetes. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1800014432).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyin Xu
- Department of Chronic Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Sichuan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Yin Deng
- Department of Chronic Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Sichuan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lingling Liu
- Department of Chronic Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Sichuan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Chronic Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Sichuan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chengxu Long
- Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ting Dong
- Department of Chronic Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Sichuan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Zeng
- Department of Chronic Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Sichuan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ji Kui
- Department of Chronic Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Sichuan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xianping Wu
- Department of Chronic Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Sichuan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Jiang X, Liu G, Xu J, Li H, Wang J, Pang M, Li S, Xu L, Guo X, Kong F. The relationship between oral health status, loneliness, and sleep quality among the migrant elderly following children in Weifang, Shandong Province, China: A comparative analysis on different migration types. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1053690. [PMID: 36845346 PMCID: PMC9945269 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1053690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The migrant elderly following children (MEFC) are a vulnerable group that emerged during fast urbanization in China. The MEFC faced physical and psychological discomfort upon their arrival in the inflow city, particularly those who came from rural areas. Objective This study aimed to explore the relationship between oral health status, loneliness, and sleep quality among the MEFC in China and to clarify the disparities in the above mentioned relationship by migration type. Methods In 2021, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in Weifang, Shandong Province, using multistage cluster random sampling to collect data from the MEFC aged 60 years and over. In total, 613 respondents [525 rural-to-urban (RTU) and 88 urban-to-urban (UTU)] were included in the final database. The chi-square test, t-test, and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to investigate the relationship between oral health status, loneliness, and sleep quality among the RTU and UTU MEFC. Results Total scores [mean ± standard deviation (SD)] for oral health status, loneliness, and sleep quality were 54.95 ± 6.47, 8.58 ± 3.03, and 4.47 ± 3.60, respectively. SEM revealed that, among the RTU and UTU MEFC, oral health status was positively and significantly related to sleep quality; however, the correlation was slightly stronger in the UTU MEFC. In both groups, there was a significant negative correlation between oral health status and loneliness, which was stronger in the UTU MEFC. In the RTU MEFC, a significant negative correlation between loneliness and sleep quality was observed, and in the UTU MEFC, no significant association between loneliness and sleep quality was observed. Conclusion The sleep quality among the MEFC in this study was higher compared to previous studies. Oral health status was negatively correlated with loneliness and positively associated with sleep quality, whereas loneliness was negatively correlated with sleep quality. These three associations differed significantly between the UTU and RTU MEFC. The government, society, and families should take measures to improve oral health and reduce loneliness among the MEFC to improve their sleep quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Jiang
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Guangwen Liu
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hexian Li
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jieru Wang
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Mingli Pang
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shixue Li
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lingzhong Xu
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaolei Guo
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fanlei Kong
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sepehri A, Minh KN, Vu PH. Challenges in moving toward universal health coverage: rising cost of outpatient care among Vietnam's insured rural residents, 2006-2018. Public Health 2023; 215:56-65. [PMID: 36642040 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess temporal trends in out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures per outpatient contact by the insured residents in rural Vietnam. STUDY DESIGN This was a repeated cross-sectional study. METHODS Seven biennial waves from the Vietnam's Household Living Standard Survey covering the period 2006-2018 and a two-part model were used to assess temporal trends in OOP expenditures and its variations across various health facilities while controlling for a wide array of individual- and household-specific characteristics. RESULTS The pattern of health facility utilization shifted steadily from commune health centers toward higher level government hospitals and private health facilities between 2006 and 2018. The regression results indicated an upward trend in the amount of OOP expenditures, with the amount of OOP expenditures incurred per outpatient contact being 40.3% higher in 2010-2012 than in 2006-2008 and by as much as 155.5% higher in 2018. These high-cost pressures were attenuated by 63%-65% when accounting for the types of health facility contacted. The cost inflation was more pronounced for care sought at higher level government hospitals and private hospitals than at other health facilities. CONCLUSION The cost of accessing outpatient care rose sharply between 2006 and 2018, particularly for visits involving higher level government hospitals and private hospitals. These findings suggest that beside expanding the coverage over the transition path to universal coverage, efforts should be directed at reforming Vietnam's hospital-centric and fragmented delivery system as a way of containing costs and ensuring financial sustainability of social health insurance system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Sepehri
- Department of Economics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
| | - K N Minh
- Department of Economics and Management, Thang Long University, Hanoi, Viet Nam.
| | - P H Vu
- School of Banking & Finance, National Economics University, Hanoi, Viet Nam.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang D, Xie S, Wu J, Sun B. The trend in quality of life of Chinese population: analysis based on population health surveys from 2008 to 2020. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:167. [PMID: 36694154 PMCID: PMC9873389 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15075-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quality of life (QoL) is one of the most important indicators for evaluating an individual's overall health status. However, evidence exploring the trend in QoL of the Chinese population is still lacking. This study aimed to investigate the trend in QoL of the Chinese population measured by the EQ-5D from 2008 to 2020, as well as compare the changing trends in QoL categorized by populations with different socio-demographic characteristics. METHODS Data were obtained from the 2008, 2013, and 2020 waves of the Health Services Surveys conducted in Tianjin, China. Respondents completed the EQ-5D (EQ-5D-3L in 2008 and 2013 and EQ-5D-5L in 2020) through face-to-face interviews or self-administration. Responses of the EQ-5D-3L in 2008 and 2013 were mapped onto the EQ-5D-5L responses, and then converted to utility values using the Chinese value set. The trend in QoL was explored by comparing the percentage of any reported problems on each EQ-5D dimension and the corresponding utility values across the three waves. Subgroup analyses were performed to compare trends in utility values stratified by socio-demographic indicators. The effect of the time variable (year) on utility values was assessed by multiple linear regression analyses using the pooled data. RESULTS By analyzing and comparing the three waves of the data (N = 25,939 in the 2008 wave, N = 22,138 in 2013, and N = 19,177 in 2020), an upward trend was observed in the percentages of reporting problems on all five dimensions (p < 0.001), resulting in a decreasing trend in utility values (2008: 0.948, 2013: 0.942, 2020: 0.939, p < 0.001). Utility values declined more over time among the female, the elder, the recipients of medical assistance, the widowed, the unemployed, and respondents with primary or lower education. The effect of the year (Coef. for 2013 = - 0.009, p < 0.001; Coef. for 2020 = - 0.010, p < 0.001) confirmed the downward trend in the utility values. CONCLUSIONS The overall QoL of the Chinese population decreased over the period from 2008 to 2020. The QoL of the disadvantaged or vulnerable populations in terms of socioeconomic characteristics declined more over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dingyao Wang
- grid.33763.320000 0004 1761 2484School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 China ,grid.33763.320000 0004 1761 2484Center for Social Science Survey and Data, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shitong Xie
- grid.33763.320000 0004 1761 2484School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 China ,grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario Canada
| | - Jing Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China. .,Center for Social Science Survey and Data, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Bei Sun
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jin S, Sun Y, Tao J, Tian L, Lin J, Qian D. Medical expenditure and its inequity for people with disabilities: Evidence from the CHARLS 2018 data. Front Public Health 2022; 10:977150. [PMID: 36249237 PMCID: PMC9558895 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.977150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Disabilities may raise heavy medical expenses and rich-poor inequalities. However, data is lacking for the Chinese older populations. This study aimed to measure socioeconomic inequalities in medical expenses amongst the Chinese adult 45 years or older, and explored the main determinants among different disability categories. Method Data from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were used. Disabilities were divided into five categories: physical disabilities, intellectual disability, vision problems, hearing problems, and multiple disabilities. The two-part model was employed to identify the factors that are associated with medical expenditures. Socioeconomic inequalities were measured by the concentration index (CI), and the horizontal inequity index (HI) which adjusts for health needs. Decomposition analysis was further applied to evaluate the contribution of each determinant. Results Two thousand four hundred nineteen people were included in this study. The CIs and HIs of the expenditure were both positive. Amongst the varied types of medical expenses, the highest CIs were found for self-treatment expenses (0.0262). Amongst the five categories of disabilities, the group with vision problem disability reported the highest CIs and HIs for outpatient expenses (CI = 0.0843, HI = 0.0751), self-treatment expenses (CI = 0.0958, HI = 0.1119), and total expenses (CI = 0.0622, HI = 0.0541). The group of intellectual disability reported the highest CI and HI (CI = 0.0707, HI = 0.0625). The decomposition analysis showed that income (80.32%), education (25.14%) and living in the rural areas (13.96%) were the main determinants of medical expenses for HI amongst all types of disabilities. Conclusion For five types of disabilities, our data shows that medical expenses concentrated in the richer groups in China. Income, education, and rural areas factors were the main contributors to the economic-related inequalities. Health policies to improve the affordability of medical care are needed to decrease inequity of medical expenditures for people with disabilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengxuan Jin
- Institute of Healthy Jiangsu Development, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Sun
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jun Tao
- Institute of Healthy Jiangsu Development, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lanlan Tian
- Institute of Healthy Jiangsu Development, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiawei Lin
- Institute of Healthy Jiangsu Development, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dongfu Qian
- Institute of Healthy Jiangsu Development, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,*Correspondence: Dongfu Qian
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chen B, Jin F. Spatial distribution, regional differences, and dynamic evolution of the medical and health services supply in China. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1020402. [PMID: 36211684 PMCID: PMC9540227 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1020402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The imbalance of medical and health services supply (MHSS) is a significant public health concern as regional economic development disparities widen in China. Based on the provincial panel data of medical and health services, this paper constructed an evaluation index system and used the two-stage nested entropy method to measure the MHSS level of 31 provinces in China from 2005 to 2020. Then we used the standard deviation ellipse, Dagum Gini coefficient, β convergence model, kernel density estimation and Markov chain to investigate the spatial distribution, regional differences, and dynamic evolution of MHSS. According to the results of these analysis, the conclusions are drawn as follows: (1) In general, the MHSS level in China showed a significant up-ward trend from 2005 to 2020. However, the MHSS level among different provinces showed a non-equilibrium characteristic. (2) Regional comparison shows that the eastern region had the highest level, and the central region had the lowest level. The eastern and central regions presented polarization, while the western region showed unremarkable gradient effect. (3) During the period, the overall regional differences, intra-regional differences, and inter-regional differences of MHSS level all showed convergence. (4) The economic development, urbanization rate, fiscal self-sufficiency rate, and foreign direct investment had significant impacts on the convergence. (5) The provinces with high levels had the positive spillover effect. The findings of this paper provide theoretical supports for optimizing the allocation of health resources and improving the equity of MHSS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fulei Jin
- School of Economics, Shandong University of Finance and Economics, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fu L, Fang Y, Yang S, Xu Y. How to Make Primary Healthcare More Popular: Evidence from the Middle-Aged and Elderly in China. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10091783. [PMID: 36141395 PMCID: PMC9498696 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10091783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 2001, China has been an aging society; it is expected to become superaged by 2033. This rapid aging trend poses a challenge to the elderly regarding their pension services and healthcare. Primary healthcare has great potential for serving older adults in the community, yet it is not popular. This study used 1977 samples from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study database to explore the use of outpatient services in primary care institutions among the middle-aged and elderly. Using a structural equations model, we constructed a framework to explore pathways leading to primary outpatient use. We discovered that the supply of primary health services had a significant direct and mediating effect on the utilization of primary outpatient services, and that community pension services may indirectly discourage it. In addition, the supply of primary health services has a suppressor effect between medical insurance and primary outpatient utilization. Health insurance directly promotes primary outpatient utilization, while the supply of primary care institutions suppresses the positive influence of medical insurance on the utilization of primary outpatient services. Therefore, community pension services should pay attention to differentiated services. Moreover, adjusting the coordinated development of medical insurance and the supply of primary healthcare could enhance the positive effects of medical insurance for outpatients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liping Fu
- College of Management and Economics, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Center for Social Science Survey and Data, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- College of Politics and Public Administration, Qinghai Minzu University, Xining 810007, China
| | - Ya’nan Fang
- College of Management and Economics, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Center for Social Science Survey and Data, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Correspondence: (Y.F.); (S.Y.); Tel.: +86-18790223308 (Y.F.); +86-15022197928 (S.Y.)
| | - Shu Yang
- College of Management and Economics, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Center for Social Science Survey and Data, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Correspondence: (Y.F.); (S.Y.); Tel.: +86-18790223308 (Y.F.); +86-15022197928 (S.Y.)
| | - Yanqing Xu
- School of Public Administration, Hainan University, Haikou 570208, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chen L, Tan W, Lin X, Lin H, Xi J, Zhang Y, Jia F, Hao Y. Influencing factors of multiple adverse outcomes among schizophrenia patients using count regression models: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:472. [PMID: 35840915 PMCID: PMC9284775 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04070-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schizophrenia patients have increased risks of adverse outcomes, including violent crime, aggressiveness, and suicide. However, studies of different adverse outcomes in schizophrenia patients are limited and the influencing factors for these outcomes need clarification by appropriate models. This study aimed to identify influencing factors of these adverse outcomes by examining and comparing different count regression models. METHODS This study included schizophrenia patients who had at least one follow-up record in the Guangdong Mental Health Center Network Medical System during 2020. Three types of adverse outcomes were included: a) aggressiveness with police dispatch or violent crime, b) aggressiveness without police dispatch, and c) self-harm or suicide attempts. The incidence density of these adverse outcomes was investigated using the Poisson, negative binomial (NB), zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP), and zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) models, accordingly. The best model was chosen based on goodness-of-fit tests. We further analyzed associations between the number of occurrences of adverse outcomes and sociodemographic, clinical factors with the best model. RESULTS A total of 130,474 schizophrenia patients were enrolled. Adverse outcomes rates were reported to be less than 1% for schizophrenia patients in 2020, in Guangdong. The NB model performed the best in terms of goodness-of-fit and interpretation when fitting for the number of occurrences of aggressiveness without police dispatch, whereas the ZINB models performed better for the other two outcomes. Age, sex, and history of adverse outcomes were influencing factors shared across these adverse outcomes. Higher education and employment were protective factors for aggressive and violent behaviors. Disease onset aged ≥ 18 years served as a significant risk factor for aggressiveness without police dispatch, and self-harm or suicide attempts. Family history of mental diseases was a risk factor for self-harm or suicide attempts individually. CONCLUSIONS NB and ZINB models were selected for fitting the number of occurrences of adverse outcomes among schizophrenia patients in our studies. Influencing factors for the incidence density of adverse outcomes included both those shared across different types and those individual to specific types. Therefore, comprehensive and customized tools in risk assessment and intervention might be necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lichang Chen
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDepartment of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080 Guangdong China
| | - Wenyan Tan
- Guangdong Mental Health Center, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080 Guangdong China
| | - Xiao Lin
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDepartment of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080 Guangdong China
| | - Haicheng Lin
- Guangdong Mental Health Center, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080 Guangdong China
| | - Junyan Xi
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDepartment of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080 Guangdong China
| | - Yuqin Zhang
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDepartment of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080 Guangdong China
| | - Fujun Jia
- Guangdong Mental Health Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yuantao Hao
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China. .,Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China. .,Center for Public Health and Epidemic Preparedness & Response, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wen M, Liao L, Wang Y, Zhou X. Effects of Healthcare Policies and Reforms at the Primary Level in China: From the Evidence of Shenzhen Primary Care Reforms from 2018 to 2019. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19041945. [PMID: 35206133 PMCID: PMC8872437 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19041945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Countries worldwide are making efforts to achieve health equity. China focuses on the implementation of the policy goal of “improving the primary level” to eliminate the health equity gap. The main purpose of this study is to examine the effects of the healthcare reforms at the primary level in China and to analyze the key factors that can help to improve their effectiveness. From the perspectives of the policy attention mechanism and public policy analysis, this study will explore primary care reforms from policy formulation to policy implementation on the basis of grounded theory and empirical research on primary care reforms in Shenzhen, China, that was conducted from 2018 to 2019. The present study found that the government pays close attention to the medical level and service level of primary care services at the policy formulation phase but less attention to talent level and information sharing. At the same time, this study combined with empirical data from primary care centers in Shenzhen for the period covering 2018 to 2019 evaluates policy implementation and its effect. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the medical level, talent level, service level, and information sharing helped to develop primary care services and improved health equity. Nevertheless, this study reflects a deviation between policy formulation and policy implementation for the development of primary care policies. Empirical experience shows that the development of talent level and information sharing can significantly promote primary care services and health management. Therefore, this study implies that in the process of promoting the health equity at the primary level, more attention should be paid to the consistency between policy formulation and policy implementation. Additionally, the policy promotion and influence mechanism can be improved, particularly in terms of talent development and information sharing, in order to effectively promote the development of health equity at the primary level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Wen
- School of Politics and Public Administration, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; (M.W.); (Y.W.)
| | - Liao Liao
- School of Politics and Public Administration, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; (M.W.); (Y.W.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Yilin Wang
- School of Politics and Public Administration, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; (M.W.); (Y.W.)
| | - Xunzhi Zhou
- Law School, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Shanghai 200433, China;
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sohn M, Jung M, Choi M. Self-Rated Health Status Based on the Type of Health Insurance: A Socioeconomic Perspective. INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing 2021; 58:469580211028171. [PMID: 34218705 PMCID: PMC8261851 DOI: 10.1177/00469580211028171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the effects of public and private health insurance on self-rated
health (SRH) status within the National Health Insurance (NHI) system based on
socioeconomic status in South Korea. The data were obtained from 10 867
respondents of the Korea Health Panel (2008-2011). We used hierarchical panel
logistic regression models to assess the SRH status. We also added the
interaction terms of socioeconomic status and type of health insurance as
moderators. Medical aid (MA) recipients were 2.10 times more likely to have a
low SRH status than those who were covered only by the NHI, even though the
healthcare utilization was higher. When the interaction terms were included,
those not covered by the NHI and had completed elementary school or less were
16.59 times more likely to have a low SRH status than those covered by the NHI
and had earned a college degree or higher. Expanding healthcare coverage to
reduce the burden of non-payment and unmet use to improve the health status of
MA beneficiaries should be considered. Particularly, the vulnerability of
less-educated groups should be focused on.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minsung Sohn
- The Cyber University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minsoo Jung
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Dongduk Women's University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|