Inequality and Influencing Factors of Spatial Accessibility of Medical Facilities in Rural Areas of China

A Case Study of Henan Province

Bibliographic Data

ID15470804
AuthorsShirui Liu (0000-0002-7593-2940, Henan University), Yaochen Qin (0000-0002-6962-8838, Henan University, corresponding author), Yanan Xu (0000-0002-0091-9709, Henan University of Economic and Law)
Year2019
Volume16
Issue10
Pages1833-1833
Publication date2019-05-23
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph16101833
PMID31126107
OpenAlexW2944889146
LanguageEN
Citations received12
References cited26

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

China · Common spatial pattern · Environmental health · Geography · Per capita · Population · Rural area · Socioeconomics · Statistics · Unit (ring theory · Health disparities and outcomes · Medicine · Migration, Aging, and Tourism Studies · Urban Transport and Accessibility

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