Socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with health care choices in Taiwan.
By using the data from the 2001 National Health Interview Survey and the National Heath Insurance database in Taiwan, this study aims at investigating the socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with different health care choices. This study incorporated hierarchical cluster analysis into multiple correspondent analysis to determine 5 attribute clusters of socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with different health care choices. This study found that older women with higher education levels were more likely to choose multiple sources of health care and that low- to middle-income people were more likely to use over-the-counter medications in pharmacies. In addition, people's self-reported health care choices were inconsistent with their observed health care seeking behavior. The health policy authority may need to provide more health promotion education programs, especially for older women with higher educational levels, and funding incentives for quality of care provided rather than relying solely on reimbursements for episodic care.
Liu
Chieh-Yu
CY
Department of Nursing, National Taipei College of Nursing, 365 Min-Der Road, Bei-Tou, Taipei City, Taiwan, ROC. chiehyu@ntcn.edu.tw
Liu
Jih-Shin
JS
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002755:Choice Behavior; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008516:Medicine, Chinese Traditional / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013624:Taiwan; D055815:Young Adult
D004366:Nonprescription Drugs