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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.
Purpose:
This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate factors influencing healthcare-seeking delays among Chinese residents using the Andersen Model of Total Patient Delay and the Behavioral Model of Health Services Use.
Methods:
A self-designed questionnaire was developed by integrating the two theoretical frameworks. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to September 2022 among Chinese residents aged 16 years and older. Stratified sampling was employed across three economic development strata, with trained investigators conducting face-to-face interviews using a standardized electronic questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression were used to analyze delay patterns and influencing factors.
Results:
The study included 580 participants, with 312 (53.79%) experienced healthcare-seeking delays. The total delay was 5.63 (± 11.95) days. Age, interpersonal manner, and social networks showed significant positive associations with total delay (p < 0.05). Female gender, inadequate communication, and self-medication were associated with longer delays.
Conclusion:
The findings suggest that targeted interventions-including priority care pathways for at-risk groups, public education on appropriate care-seeking, and patient-centered facility design-may help reduce healthcare-seeking delays.