Importance The article analyzes health indicators and rural residents' access to medical care based on the Rosstat survey on Comprehensive Monitoring of Living Conditions of the Population. Objectives We investigate disparities in health care access across population groups with different income level. The target population group is represented by residents of remote areas with low population density, as access to healthcare services is critical for them. Methods To assess the health care access, we apply descriptive statistics tools. Statistical significance of differences between respondents from different settlements is assessed by using nonparametric tests. Results The study unveils substantial disparities in health care access for the residents of settlements located at different distances from district centers. Both transport and geographical accessibility have a significant impact on the probability of medical service utilization. In this case, the impact of isolated location on the frequency of seeking medical assistance is even stronger than that of income. Conclusions and Relevance The findings show the inefficiency of existing programs for improving the health care quality and accessibility. The study includes recommendations for enhancing the efficiency of health care in remote areas.
Keywords: health, compulsory medical care, public health, access to medical care, mortality
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