Title: Social determinants of access to healthcare as indicator of health equity among patients with chronic diseases in Jordan: a cross-sectional study

Authors: Rula Al-Rimawi; Jafar Alasad Alshraideh; Mahmoud Al-Hussami; Madi Jaghbir

Addresses: Medical Sciences Department, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al Salt, 19117, Jordan ' School of Nursing, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan ' Community Health Department, School of Nursing, The University of Jordan, Queen Rania Street, Amman, 11942, Jordan ' Family and Public Health Department, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan

Abstract: Background: The study aims to describe and predict the social determinants of accessing healthcare as an indicator of health equity among patients with chronic diseases. Methods: A cross-sectional structured face to face interview survey of 320 patients selected from three hospitals. Hierarchical regression was used to predict the social determinant of accessing healthcare system in Jordan. Results: Seven predictors were statistically significant, R = 0.368, R² = 0.135, adjusted R² = 0.116, F(7,309) = 6.91, P < 0.001. The variables predicted approximately 12% of the variance in accessibility scores. The strongest unique predictive contribution was from household income and gender. Higher income and being female predicted higher scores on accessibility. Whereas, faraway distance between place of residency and hospital predicted lower scores on accessibility. Conclusion: There is inequity between patients in accessing public healthcare system in Jordan based on income, gender and place of residency.

Keywords: health equity; access to healthcare; equity in chronic diseases; non-communicable diseases; Jordan; social determinants of health equity; nursing care; environmental health; older adults; gender equity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJENVH.2020.113622

International Journal of Environment and Health, 2020 Vol.10 No.1, pp.24 - 37

Received: 28 Nov 2019
Accepted: 17 Apr 2020
Published online: 15 Mar 2021 *

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