Title: Thailand case studies on sex differences in the utilization of health resources.

POPLINE Document Number: 076050

Author(s):

Porapakkham Y

Source citation:

In: Sex differentials in mortality: trends, determinants and consequences, edited by Alan D. Lopez, Lado T. Ruzicka. Canberra, Australia, Australian National University, Dept. of Demography, 1983. :387-408.

Abstract:

Public sector-provided health care in Thailand offers largely provincial health care services. 4 classes of facilities exist, and include midwifery centers, health centers, district hospitals, and provincial hospitals at the village, tambon, district, and province levels, respectively. The present quantity of such facilities, and the quality of services provided therein, are, however, most inadequate. While 100% of provinces, and 75% of tambons are covered by the appropriate facilities, only 54% of districts and 4% of villages are so served. Ministry of Public Health service statistics and population surveys are employed in reviewing patterns of health resource use by sex over the period 1970-79. The determinants and effects of differential resource use are also considered. Examination reveals that 1/2 of the Thai population relies upon lower quality health services, with the urban sector generally using services of comparatively higher quality. Additionally, a higher incidence of morbidity exists among females compares with males in all age groups expect through ages 7-14. Compared with males, females used health facilities to a disproportionately greater extent. Data suggest that males may have a comparatively better self-perception of health needs. In rural populations, long distances to facilities negatively impacts their use, while income, education, and occupation influence differential service use patterns according to sex. Incorporating additional variables, never-married, middle-aged, rural females of low socioeconomic status suffer a higher incidence of illness, and call upon facilities on a comparatively more frequent basis. Access to, and utilization of health facilities are determinants of health status. Health status, in turn, affects survivorship.

Keywords:

Health Services
Sex Factors
Morbidity
Sex Ratio
Thailand
Rural Population
Urban Population
Research Report
Utilization Review
Health Surveys
Service Statistics
Health Facilities
Obstacles
National Health Services
Life Expectancy
Poverty
Quality of Health Care
Age Factors
Public Sector
Women
Program Accessibility
Physician-Patient Relations
Motivation
Distance
Perception
Delivery of Health Care
Health
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Diseases
Sex Distribution
Developing Countries
Asia, Southeastern
Asia
Health Services Evaluation
Program Evaluation
Programs
Organization and Administration
Program Activities
Length of Life
Mortality
Population Dynamics
Socioeconomic Factors
Economic Factors
Macroeconomic Factors
Interpersonal Relations
Behavior
Psychological Factors
Geographic Factors