Inequalities in Health Care Services Utilization and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Bulgaria

Maria Rohova ()
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Maria Rohova: Medical University - Varna, Varna, Bulgaria

Izvestia Journal of the Union of Scientists - Varna. Economic Sciences Series, 2022, vol. 11, issue 3, 169-178

Abstract: The pandemic reduced access to health care, particularly for disadvantaged social groups, thereby exacerbating health disparities. This study aims to examine the social-economic inequalities in the use of health services in Bulgaria in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. In November 2021, a cross-sectional national study was conducted on a sample of 800 Bulgarian residents. A self-administered online questionnaire was used to collect data on the utilization of health services over the previous 12 months. In general, as respondents' income rose, their utilization of outpatient health services increased. Residents of the capital or district city were more likely to consult a specialist and visit a dentist than residents of smaller towns. The shift toward higher income groups indicated the existence of disparities in the utilization of outpatient care that were not determined by health needs. Only hospital care utilization was not affected by income and residence.

Keywords: health inequalities; health services; income; utilization; pandemic; COVID-19 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I14 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:vra:journl:v:11:y:2022:i:3:p:169-178

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