Examine how Socio-economic Inequalities and Access to Healthcare Affect Hospitalization Rates and Patient Outcomes in Rural and Urban Hospitals

Abstract

The influence of socio-economic disparities on the rate of hospitalization and patient outcomes in rural and urban hospitals is being studied with special emphasis on income, education, and employment status. This study captures the importance of healthcare infrastructure and resources such as staffing levels and medical equipment to determine the impact of these factors on quality care and patient outcomes. This study employed a quantitative approach by utilizing self-administered questionnaires on responses from 200 health workers and administrators in Punjab. The data analysis involved correlation and regression analyses and post hoc statistical procedures to examine associations between socio-economic status and health care outcomes. Correlations were seen with lower socio-economic status and higher rates of hospitalizations and suboptimal results in rural hospitals, for which the correlation coefficients were at 0.45 for income and at 0.55 for employment status. Through regression analysis, socio-economic factors were also found to correlate with predictive hospitalization rates at ? = 0.38, p < 0.05. The study underscores the significant disparity in healthcare access and patient care that exists between rural and urban settings. It also offers policy recommendations aimed at enhancing resource allocation and healthcare access in underserved areas.