How enabling factors determine unmet healthcare needs? A panel data approach for countries

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Public Health Policy
• European Health Economics

Background:

• Unmet healthcare needs arise when essential services are not received, impacting health outcomes.
• Andersen's Behavioral Model provides a framework for understanding healthcare utilization and access barriers.
• European healthcare systems face challenges in ensuring equitable access to services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key determinants of unmet healthcare needs in 34 European countries.
• To analyze the influence of enabling factors, such as economic and resource availability, on healthcare access.
• To provide evidence for targeted policy interventions to reduce healthcare disparities.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a static and robust panel regression model for data analysis.
• Examined data from 34 European countries between 2011 and 2019.
• Focused on enabling factors including GDP per capita, urbanization rate, and physicians per capita.

Main Results:

• Lower GDP per capita was significantly associated with higher unmet healthcare needs.
• Lower urbanization rates correlated with increased unmet healthcare needs, indicating accessibility issues.
• A higher number of physicians per capita was linked to reduced unmet healthcare needs.

Conclusions:

• Income level and geographical accessibility are critical determinants of unmet healthcare needs.
• Adequate healthcare resource allocation, particularly physician availability, is crucial for bridging access gaps.
• Targeted policies addressing socioeconomic factors and enhancing resource distribution are essential for reducing unmet healthcare needs in Europe.