Health Disparities in Pakistan: Analyzing the Impact of Socioeconomic, Geographic, and Educational Determinants on Healthcare Access and Outcomes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v5i1.1758Keywords:
Health disparities, socioeconomic factors, geographic disparities, health literacy, chronic disease epidemiologyAbstract
Background: Health disparities in Pakistan are significantly influenced by socioeconomic status, geographic location, and educational background. Limited access to healthcare, financial constraints, and inadequate health literacy contribute to unequal health outcomes, particularly among rural populations and lower-income groups. Objective: This study aims to analyze the impact of demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic determinants on healthcare access, health literacy, out-of-pocket expenditures, and chronic disease prevalence in Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 378 participants selected through stratified random sampling to ensure urban and rural representation. Data was collected using structured questionnaires covering demographics, socioeconomic status, healthcare access, health literacy, financial burden, and chronic disease prevalence. Ethical approval was obtained, and confidentiality was maintained. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, employing chi-square tests for categorical variables and independent t-tests/ANOVA for continuous variables. P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Among 378 participants (mean age: 35.4 ± 12.1 years, 58% male), 65% had healthcare access, and 42% demonstrated health literacy. Urban residents (75%) had significantly higher healthcare access than rural counterparts (50%) (p<0.05). Males exhibited greater health literacy (48%) than females (35%) (p<0.05). Out-of-pocket expenditure was PKR 15,000 ± 5,000, higher among females (PKR 16,500 ± 5,200). Chronic illness prevalence was 30%, with hypertension predominant in rural areas (35%) and diabetes in urban settings (25%). Higher education correlated with improved healthcare access (80%) and lower chronic disease prevalence (15%) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Significant disparities in healthcare access, financial burden, and chronic illness prevalence exist in Pakistan, influenced by socioeconomic and geographic factors.
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