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Socioeconomic status, health, subjective well-being and worries about healthcare accessibility among Chinese citizens—based on an age-gender-region stratified model

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  • Zhou, Yang
  • Xu, Qiang
  • He, Junhong

Abstract

This paper analyzes the impact of socioeconomic status, health, and subjective well-being on healthcare accessibility worries, using data from the 2021 China General Social Survey (CGSS). The findings show that 63.81 % of Chinese residents worry about healthcare accessibility, with socioeconomic status, health status, and subjective well-being having significant effects. Regarding socioeconomic status, higher income, better level of education, and higher subjective socioeconomic status are associated with fewer worries about healthcare accessibility. A stronger inverse association was observed among younger individuals, males, urban residents, and eastern region residents. Regarding health status, residents with fewer healthcare consultations, a lower need for home care, and higher-quality sleep experience fewer worries about healthcare accessibility. A more pronounced inverse relationship exists among younger people, women, urban residents, and western region residents. Regarding subjective well-being, a higher sense of social equity and social trust is associated with fewer worries about healthcare accessibility. A more pronounced inverse association exists between subjective well-being and healthcare accessibility worries for older people, urban residents, and residents in the western region.Strengthening the healthcare security system, improving healthcare accessibility and quality, enhancing employability through educational and vocational training, strengthening health education, and establishing a social equity and trust system are vital for alleviating healthcare accessibility concerns.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhou, Yang & Xu, Qiang & He, Junhong, 2025. "Socioeconomic status, health, subjective well-being and worries about healthcare accessibility among Chinese citizens—based on an age-gender-region stratified model," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:reveco:v:102:y:2025:i:c:s1059056025005532
    DOI: 10.1016/j.iref.2025.104390
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    1. Guoqing Wang & Kamal Sabran & Yipei Wang & Yang Yu & Li Huang & Jian Li, 2026. "The impact of leisure activities on the subjective well-being trajectory of Chinese residents: an 11-year longitudinal study," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 13(1), pages 1-10, December.

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