Physician shortage in Kentucky, 1930-1980

Changes in the number and locations of Kentucky counties with a shortage of physicians (using current federal definitions of medical underservice) were examined for the decennial years 1930 to 1980. The number of counties with a physician shortage were found to have increased from four per cent in 1930 to 20 per cent in 1970 and 1980. The per cent of population in physician shortage counties was also found to have increased between 1930 and 1970, but to have declined slightly by 1980. Differences in the average population-to-physician ratios of Appalachian and non-Appalachian counties were significant for every year except 1980.