National health insurance coverage and socio-economic status in a rural district of Ghana.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the association between socio-economic status (SES) and health insurance subscription to the Ghanaian National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) of residents of the Asante Akim North district of the Ashanti Region, Ghana.


METHODS
In the course of a community survey, data on asset variables (e.g. electricity, housing conditions and other variables) and on NHIS subscription were collected on the household level in 99 villages. Using principal components analysis, households were classified into three categories of SES (20% high, 40% middle and 40% low SES). Odds ratios of NHIS subscription were calculated for all SES categories, using the low category as the reference group and adjusting for travelling time to health facilities by public transport.


RESULTS
Of the 7223 households surveyed, 38% subscribed to the NHIS, of these 21% were low, 43% middle and 60% high SES households. SES was significantly associated with NHIS subscription (high SES: OR 4.9, 95% CI 4.3-5.7; middle SES: OR 2.5, 95% CI 2.2-2.9; low SES: OR 1, reference group).


CONCLUSIONS
Four years after its introduction, the NHIS has reached subscription rates of 38% in the district surveyed. However, to achieve the aim of assuring universal access to health care facilities for all residents of Ghana, in particular for individuals living under socio-economic constraints, increasing subscription rates are necessary.
Sarpong
N
N
Agogo Presbyterian Hospital, Agogo, Ghana.
Loag
W
W
Fobil
J
J
Meyer
C G
CG
Adu-Sarkodie
Y
Y
May
J
J
Schwarz
N G
NG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D005869:Ghana; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006798:Housing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D019458:Insurance Coverage / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007348:Insurance, Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012423:Rural Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012499:Sanitation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012923:Social Class; D055815:Young Adult