Many factors affect health care.
The factors affecting health care are varied and far-reaching. As health care around the world is examined, access and use are gaining more attention. If you have health problems -- chronic or acute -- having high-quality, accessible health care is important. Access to health insurance, cultural factors, socioeconomic status, setting, and beliefs about health care, are the most important factors considered when it comes to proper health care.
Benefits
Many countries in the world have universal health care for their citizens. Access to health care can be determined by the availability of national medical coverage or to that from private health insurance, according to a study published by Alfredo Fort and Lauren Voltero. In this study, Fort and Voltero discovered that those without insurance were less likely to go to the doctor if they became ill or were injured, compared with people who had easy access to health coverage.
Culture
Fort and Voltero found that cultural beliefs about medical care can have a substantial impact on whether or not people seek health care when they become ill or are injured. In some cultures, lack of access to health providers who are of a similar culture or speak the same language can be particularly difficult. This is particularly true in the Latino cultures in the United States.
Income
Fort and Voltero also discovered that income levels have a significant impact on access to health care. The poor often have little affordable health care. Add to this the expense of pharmaceuticals, and going to the doctor is out of the question for those who do not have universal health care or health insurance.
Location
If you live in a city, you're more likely to be able to access health care than people who live in rural areas, according to Fort and Voltero. In many cases, doctors choose not to practice in rural settings because of financial constraints or due to lack of resources in rural areas. Often, these areas have deficits in specialists or hospital facilities. As a result, patients may need to drive long distances to attend medical appointments.
Beliefs
Fort and Voltero also found that spiritual beliefs have an impact on the use of health care facilities. In many cultural groups, including Native American, Amish, Asian and others, using modern medical care is in direct conflict with traditional beliefs about the source of health problems and illness. People immersed in these beliefs may turn to a more traditional healer such as a curandero or acupuncturist for relief of their symptoms.
Tags: health care, Fort Voltero, beliefs about, health insurance, access health, access health
