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Inequalities in the utilization of health care services in a transition European country: results from the national population health survey

Author

Listed:
  • Janko Janković

    (University of Belgrade)

  • Sladjana Šiljak

    (Institute of Public Health)

  • Miloš Erić

    (Singidunum University)

  • Jelena Marinković

    (University of Belgrade)

  • Slavenka Janković

    (University of Belgrade)

Abstract

Objectives To examine demographic, socio-economic, and health status inequalities in the utilization of health care services (UHCS) in the Republic of Srpska (RS), Bosnia and Herzegovina. Methods Data were retrieved from the 2010 National Health Survey for the RS adult population (n = 4128). A complex sample design was taken into account for statistical analysis. Results As compared to men, a higher percentage of women visited a family physician (FP), urgent care department, dentist and private doctor. Higher educated women and those worse-off (OR 1.17) more frequently visited FP. Hospitalization (OR 4.56 for males; OR 9.17 for females), visit to urgent care department (OR 3.19 for males; OR 2.42 for females) and visits to FP in females (OR 1.46) were associated with poor self-perceived health. No inequalities by wealth index were found for the utilization of FP, hospitalization, urgent care and dentist among persons with poor self-perceived health status. Conclusions The present study confirmed demographic, socio-economic and health status inequalities in the UHCS in RS. These findings have significant implications for health policy makers that seek to provide equal care for all people living in RS.

Suggested Citation

  • Janko Janković & Sladjana Šiljak & Miloš Erić & Jelena Marinković & Slavenka Janković, 2018. "Inequalities in the utilization of health care services in a transition European country: results from the national population health survey," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 63(2), pages 261-272, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ijphth:v:63:y:2018:i:2:d:10.1007_s00038-017-1009-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s00038-017-1009-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Starfield, Barbara, 2007. "Pathways of influence on equity in health: A rejoinder to Braveman and Wilkinson," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 64(7), pages 1371-1372, April.
    2. Morris, Stephen & Sutton, Matthew & Gravelle, Hugh, 2005. "Inequity and inequality in the use of health care in England: an empirical investigation," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 60(6), pages 1251-1266, March.
    3. Starfield, Barbara, 2007. "Pathways of influence on equity in health," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 64(7), pages 1355-1362, April.
    4. Parslow, Ruth & Jorm, Anthony & Christensen, Helen & Jacomb, Patricia & Rodgers, Bryan, 2004. "Gender differences in factors affecting use of health services: an analysis of a community study of middle-aged and older Australians," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 59(10), pages 2121-2129, November.
    5. Slavenka Janković & Dragana Stojisavljević & Janko Janković & Miloš Erić & Jelena Marinković, 2014. "Status of cardiovascular health in a transition European country: findings from a population-based cross-sectional study," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 59(5), pages 769-778, October.
    6. Allin, S. & Masseria, C. & Mossialos, E., 2009. "Measuring socioeconomic differences in use of health care services by wealth versus by income," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 99(10), pages 1849-1855.
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    1. Kathryn Nicholson & Tatjana T. Makovski & Saverio Stranges, 2019. "The integration of primary care and public health to improve population health: tackling the complex issue of multimorbidity," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 64(7), pages 983-984, September.

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