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Factors Influencing Healthcare-Seeking Delay Among Chinese Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study
Wen Wei1, Meng Zhang1, Chuchuan Wan1
1The Research Center of National Drug Policy and Ecosystem, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
Patient Preference and Adherence
|July 19, 2026
Summary
Healthcare-seeking delays are common in China, influenced by age, communication, and social factors. Interventions like targeted care and education can help reduce delays.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Public Health
- Social Determinants of Health
Background:
- Healthcare-seeking delays pose a significant public health challenge.
- Understanding patient delay factors is crucial for improving healthcare access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors influencing healthcare-seeking delays among Chinese residents.
- To apply the Andersen Model of Total Patient Delay and the Behavioral Model of Health Services Use.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional survey of 580 Chinese residents aged 16+.
- Integrated Andersen and Behavioral models using a self-designed questionnaire.
- Data analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression.
Main Results:
- Over half (53.79%) of participants experienced healthcare-seeking delays.
- Factors associated with delays include age, interpersonal manner, social networks, female gender, inadequate communication, and self-medication.
- Average total delay was 5.63 days.
Conclusions:
- Targeted interventions are needed to reduce healthcare-seeking delays.
- Recommendations include priority care pathways, public education, and patient-centered facility design.