Assessing of Socio-Economic Determinants of the Availability of Medical Services in Kazakhstan

Abstract

The frequent visits to doctors and their impact on healthcare providers' workload is a significant concern in many countries, including Kazakhstan, where this topic has been understudied. This research aimed to identify key socio-economic factors influencing the frequency and likelihood of individuals seeking medical care. Utilizing sociological, statistical, and comparative research methods, we conducted a survey involving 1838 participants across 20 regions in Kazakhstan. Our statistical analysis included the calculation of Pearson and Kendall correlation coefficients to evaluate relationships between variables such as the frequency of doctor visits and individuals' health assessment practices, their attentiveness to health, and their responses to illness. The findings reveal that individuals who are proactive in seeking medical advice when symptoms appear also tend to visit doctors more frequently throughout the year. Moreover, socioeconomic factors such as drug costs, demographic characteristics, and travel time to medical facilities were identified as influencing factors, albeit to a lesser extent compared to health status assessment and medical examinations.  This study provides a foundational understanding of the factors driving medical visits in Kazakhstan, highlighting the interplay between personal health practices and healthcare utilization. This insight is crucial for planning and optimizing healthcare resource allocation and addressing healthcare accessibility and inequality. The study did not identify any significant limitations for future research.