Mahmoud Keyvanara; Saeed Karimi; Elahe Khorasani; Marzie Jafarian jazi
Volume 10, Issue 4 , November 2013, , Pages 538-548
Abstract
Introduction: Induced demand is one of the challenges of health care systems in different countries. It increases health care costs and also increases catastrophic cost index. This article seeks to examine the challenges of induced demand with the use of expert’s experiences of Isfahan University ...
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Introduction: Induced demand is one of the challenges of health care systems in different countries. It increases health care costs and also increases catastrophic cost index. This article seeks to examine the challenges of induced demand with the use of expert’s experiences of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: The research is applied a qualitative method which done in Isfahan in 2012. Semi-structured interview was used for data gathering. For validity and reliability criteria such as data reliability of information and stability were considered. Participants in this study were people who had been informed in this regard and had to be experienced and were known as experts. Purposive sampling was done for data saturation. 17 people were interviewed. The anonymity of the interviewees was preserved. The data are transcribed, categorized and then used the thematic analysis. Results: In this study thematic analysis was conducted and 41 sub-themes and three themes were extracted. The three main themes include insurance organizations challenges, health systems challenges and patient’s challenges. Each of them has some sub-themes. Conclusion: the results of this study provide challenges due to induced demand. The most notable findings include insurance organizations challenges, health care system challenges and patient challenges. These findings will help health policymakers consider challenges to design appropriate strategies to reduce them. Keywords: Healthcare; Healthcare System; Insurance; Patients; Healthcare Costs
Saeed Karimi; Mahmood Keyvanara; Mohsen Hosseini; Marzie Jafarian; elahe khorasani
Volume 10, Issue 6 , December 2012, , Pages 862-875
Abstract
Introduction: Health literacy is the degree to which people understand the health information and can operate in the health care system. Consequences of low health literacy occur both directly and indirectly. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine health literacy, health status and health ...
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Introduction: Health literacy is the degree to which people understand the health information and can operate in the health care system. Consequences of low health literacy occur both directly and indirectly. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine health literacy, health status and health services utilization and their relationships in adults in Isfahan. Methods: This study was a descriptive analytical survey on 300 (18-64 years old) people in Isfahan, multi stage sampling was performed. For collecting the data, questionnaire adapted from CHAP (Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) health literacy questionnaire was used. Health status was measured by self-assessment of physical and mental health over the last 6 months. Health services utilization was asked by six areas that include the number of GP visits, number of special physician visits, number of outpatient or clinic visits, number of the emergency department visits, number of diagnostic services use of the last 3 months and the hospitalization in the past year. For data analysis SPSS18 software, descriptive statistics and Chi-square test was used. Results: Average health literacy score was 2.4, which was moderate. The average health status score was 3.1, which was good and the average health services utilization score was 2.1, which was weak. Health literacy, health status and health care utilization were not statistically significant. Levels of education and place of residence were effective on health services utilization. Conclusion: According to the average prevalence of health literacy in adults in Isfahan and low health services utilization, more attention to the improvement of health literacy and doctor-patient relationship and awareness of community through health programs and media was recommended. Keywords: Health Literacy; Health Status; Health Services; Utilization
