Cross-Sectional Analysis of Difficulties Using Usual Source of Care for People with Disability

In recent years in Korea, healthcare utilization has been increasing due to aging of people with disability. However, accessibility to usual source of care (USCs) for people with disabilities remains unimproved. This study aimed to analyze current usage of USCs by people with disabilities in Korea in comparison with people without disabilities. This study utilized data of the 2018 Korean Health Panel Survey, a representative longitudinal survey of the entire nation that included 12 880 participants with or without disabilities in South Korea. People with disabilities were classified into Mobility Disorder, Communication Disorder, Mental Disorder, and Others. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess satisfaction with the utilization of USCs among people with or without disabilities. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was employed to examine difference in satisfaction between people with disabilities and those without. The proportion of people with disabilities utilizing USCs as their primary healthcare facility was only one-third of that of people without disabilities. In terms of overall satisfaction with USCs, respondents indicated insufficient consultation time and difficulty comprehending medical information during appointments. However, people with disabilities utilizing USCs as tertiary healthcare facilities reported higher satisfaction levels than people without disabilities, stating ease of understanding medical information, opportunities for asking questions, and ability to provide feedback. To enhance accessibility for people with disabilities to utilize USCs as their primary healthcare facility, it is necessary to strengthen accessibility through institutional mechanisms by providing disability-friendly physical facilities and auxiliary aids to facilitate communication with healthcare providers.