Locational and population factors in health care-seeking behavior in Savannah, Georgia

The use of regular sources of health care by a sample of residents of Chatham County, Georgia was examined through an analysis of the interactions among distance, sociodemographic, locational, and activity-space factors. Health care facilities were concentrated near downtown Savannah. Distance from home to regular source of care was a relatively more important factor for inner-city residents than for suburban or urban fringe residents. There were no clear differences by race, sex, age, occupation, or length of stay at present residence in the relative importance of distance. Strong associations were found between distance-to-care measures and measures of daily-activity spaces. Urban ecological structure appeared to play a more important role in health care-seeking behavior than did the personal characteristics of individuals in this small metropolitan area.