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Physician utilization and urban native people in Saskatoon, Canada
1Department of Native Studies, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Urban Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations in Saskatoon utilize physician services differently. Indigenous individuals frequently use walk-in clinics, while non-Indigenous individuals prefer private practices, suggesting socioeconomic factors drive these healthcare-seeking behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Sociology of Health
- Indigenous Health
Background:
- Understanding healthcare access and utilization among diverse urban populations is crucial.
- Disparities in physician utilization patterns between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare physician utilization patterns of similarly disadvantaged urban Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents in Saskatoon.
- To identify factors influencing healthcare-seeking behaviors in these distinct demographic groups.
Main Methods:
- A large survey instrument was administered to 142 Indigenous and 84 non-Indigenous respondents.
- Physician utilization patterns, including clinic type and frequency, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Indigenous respondents showed extensive utilization of a specific walk-in clinic, perceived as their regular source of care.
- Non-Indigenous respondents demonstrated a greater preference for physicians in private practice.
- Few differences were observed in the overall extent of physician utilization between the two groups.
Conclusions:
- Socioeconomic factors, rather than cultural differences, appear to better explain the observed disparities in physician utilization patterns.
- Targeted interventions may be needed to address specific healthcare access needs within urban Indigenous communities.