Socio-economic and health-related determinants of unmet health needs: a national cross-sectional study on the adult population.

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the prevalence and predictors of self-perceived unmet health needs (UHN) in Croatia.

Methods: We used data from the European Health Interview Survey, conducted in 2019 on 5461 individuals. Dependent variables were different causes of UHN - long waiting times, financial problems, and problems with transportation, while independent variables were sex, age, marital status, region of residence, degree of urbanization of the respondent's place of residence, education level, quintile of household's income, self-perceived general health, self-reported chronic disease/condition, severity of bodily pain, consultation with a family doctor in the last 12 months, consultation with a specialist in the last 12 months, and perceived social support. An association between the variables was determined with a simple logistic regression and multiple logistic regression model.

Results: Socioeconomic variables such as low education, urban residence, and residence in the Adriatic Region, as well as several health-related factors (worse self-perceived health, higher perceived levels of bodily pain, consultation with a physician in the last 12 months, and lower perceived levels of social support) were associated with higher odds for unmet health needs.

Conclusion: Our findings highlight the need for continued reform and targeted initiatives in the Croatian health care system to improve health care access and equity. Addressing the underlying causes of UHN can help to ensure fair health care for all individuals and enhance overall health outcomes.