Associations of Provider-to-Population Ratios and Population Health by County-Level Rurality

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Healthcare Policy
• Rural Health Disparities

Background:

• Provider-to-population ratios are critical determinants of healthcare access and quality.
• Rural areas often face significant challenges in healthcare provider distribution.
• Understanding these relationships is key to addressing health inequities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between provider-to-population ratios and population health outcomes.
• To examine how rurality influences these relationships in the United States.
• To utilize county-level data for a comprehensive analysis.

Main Methods:

• Multivariable regression analyses were employed.
• Data included ratios for registered nurses (RNs), primary care physicians, and dentists.
• Population health was assessed using premature death rates, self-rated health, teen birth rates, and mammography screening rates.

Main Results:

• Healthcare provider availability generally decreased with increased rurality.
• Higher registered nurse (RN)-to-population ratios correlated with better health outcomes, with stronger effects in rural areas.
• Increased primary care physician ratios showed significant positive health impacts in rural counties.
• Dentist-to-population ratios were associated with improved health in urban and larger rural counties, but not the smallest rural ones.

Conclusions:

• The supply of healthcare professionals positively influences population health.
• These findings underscore the importance of addressing healthcare provider distribution, particularly in rural settings.
• Policy interventions aimed at increasing provider ratios may improve health outcomes nationwide.