Effects of financial capacity on accessibility of health care among patients consulting at the Family Medicine Clinic, UP-PGH
- Author:
Aquino-Rivera Amor Dulce R.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
HEALTH CARE
- From:
The Filipino Family Physician
2010;48(1):1-7
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background: Inequalities in socioeconomic conditions and their effects on people's lives determine their risk of illness and the actions taken to prevent or treat illness when it occurs.
Objective: This study aimed to determine effects of financial capacity on accessibility of health care.
Methodology: Survey questionnaires were distributed at the FMC -OPD follow-up clinic. The study population included patients with chronic diseases. Descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test were utilized for analysis.
Results: Ninety-four respondents completed the questionnaires. Their mean age is 52, composed of 64.9% female and 34.1% male; two-thirds of them are married and live within NCR. They live with others, ranging 4-6 family members. Around 81 percent are unemployed; those with work are in the service industry. Almost 43% (40%) are with family income within Php2,000-5,000; around 20 percent earn either below Php2/000 or above Php5,000. Of the total income, 61 percent is allotted to food, non-food needs are about 20 percent, and health is about 9.5 percent. Among the socio-demographic characteristics, only family income showed significant association with the patient's decision to consult/ acquire medications and compliance with diagnostic work-up/ with P-values of 0.02, 0.02 and 0.05 respectively. For those with money on-hand concerns, 28.7% would not consult if they have Php 500, they would consult with certainty. Moreover, 53.2% would intermittently take their medications and 28.7 percent would borrow money just to be able to buy medicines. On the contrary, 54.3 percent would borrow money just to do the laboratory exams and 18.1 percent would not comply with all exams requested.
Conclusion: Most of the respondents are non-earning and depend on their family's income for health support. To be able to consult, financial capacity threshold is Php201-300 but at >Php500, there is certainty to consult. More than half have poor compliance with medications, but also, would borrow money just to do diagnostic work-up. It seems that the respondents are more willing to spend and know the disease, rather than comply with treatment.
