Inequality and Influencing Factors of Spatial Accessibility of Medical Facilities in Rural Areas of China: A Case Study of Henan Province

Shirui Liu, Yaochen Qin and Yanan Xu
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Shirui Liu: College of Environment and Planning, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
Yaochen Qin: College of Environment and Planning, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
Yanan Xu: College of Resources and Environment, Henan University of Economics and Law, Zhengzhou 450046, China

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 10, 1-16

Abstract: The equalization of medical services has received increasing attention, and improving the accessibility of medical facilities in rural areas is key for the realization of fairness with regard to medical services. This study studies the rural areas of Henan Province, China, and uses unincorporated villages as the basic unit. The spatial pattern of accessibility in rural areas was comprehensively analyzed via geographic information system spatial analysis and coefficient of variation. The spatial heterogeneity of relevant influencing factors was assessed by using the geographically weighted regression model. The results show that: (1) The distance cost of medical treatment in rural areas is normally distributed, and most areas are within a range of 2–6 km. (2) The accessibility in rural areas has clear spatial differences, is significantly affected by terrain, and shows characteristics of significant spatial agglomeration. The eastern and central regions have good spatial accessibility, while the western regions have poor spatial accessibility. Furthermore, regions with poor accessibility are mainly located in mountainous areas. (3) The spatial equilibrium of accessibility follows a pattern of gradual deterioration from east to west. The better accessibility-unbalanced type is mostly located in the center of Henan Province, while the poor accessibility-unbalanced type is concentrated in mountainous areas. (4) The area, elevation, residential density, and per capita industrial output are positively correlated with spatial accessibility, while road network density and population density are negatively correlated.

Keywords: spatial accessibility; rural area; spatial pattern; GWR; Henan Province (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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