The Relationship between Access to Usual Source of Care and Health Literacy: A Comparison between Urban and Rural Areas
10.5393/JAMCH.2024.49.3.205
- Author:
Seungyeon CHO
1
Author Information
1. Department of Economics, Kyonggi University
- Publication Type:Original Articles
- From:Journal of Agricultural Medicine & Community Health
2024;49(3):205-215
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective:This study aimed to estimate the impact of having and the type of usual source of care on the health literacy of rural residents.
Methods:Using data from the 2021 Korea Health Panel Survey, the regression model was estimated, in which the presence and type of usual source of care, categorized as medical institutions and primary care physicians, were incorporated as explanatory variables. The level of health literacy was used as the dependent variable. Additionally, statistical analysis was conducted to compare how socio-demographic backgrounds and the presence and type of usual source of care are associated with health literacy between urban and rural residents.
Results:The effect of usual source of care on the level of health literacy was significant only when the service provider was the public health institution. However, this effect was smaller for rural residents than for urban residents. When the usual source of care was an internal medicine or Korean traditional medicine doctor, the level of health literacy increased than the other types of doctor.
Conclusion:To improve rural residents’ health literacy, it is necessary to enhance access to public health care service and provide education programs.
