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Health service utilization by Manitoba children.
Marni Brownell1, Anita Kozyrkyj, Noralou Roos
1Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB. Marni_Brownell@cpe.umanitoba.ca
Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne De Sante Publique
|February 13, 2003
Summary
Children in northern Manitoba regions experienced significantly higher hospitalization and physician visit rates compared to other areas. These healthcare utilization disparities highlight regional inequities in child health needs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric healthcare utilization
- Health services research
- Regional health disparities
Background:
- Understanding variations in healthcare access and use among children is crucial for equitable health outcomes.
- Previous research indicates socioeconomic and geographic factors influence healthcare utilization patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare physician and hospital utilization rates among children across subregions of Manitoba.
- To identify regional disparities in pediatric healthcare access and service use.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 1998/99 data on physician visits and hospitalizations for children aged 0-19 from the Population Health Research Data Repository.
- Compared utilization rates across 12 regional health authorities (RHAs) in Manitoba and 12 community areas within Winnipeg.
- Examined correlations between utilization rates, premature mortality rates (PMRs), and area income levels.
Main Results:
- Significant regional variations in healthcare utilization were observed for children.
- Children in northern RHAs (highest PMRs) had hospitalization rates nearly four times higher than those in Winnipeg.
- Physician visit rates varied regionally, with lower rates in rural areas potentially offset by increased nurse utilization; income levels also correlated with utilization.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare utilization patterns among children in Manitoba exhibit substantial regional disparities.
- Findings underscore the importance of considering health care needs when analyzing regional variations in service utilization.