<p>The matter of ensuring equal access to healthcare services is a challenge of global significance, particularly in developing countries. Improvement in these services would lead to a reduction in health deprivation and regional inequities. This research estimates the multidimensional health poverty (MHP) index to (i) identify the spatial clusters of districts vulnerable to health deprivation and explore the spatial connection between neighboring districts concerning MHP scores, and (ii) investigate the local-varying spatial effect of determinants MHP. Pakistan social and living standard measurement (PSLM) data were used to estimate the index by applying Alkire–Foster framework. Spatial dependence was tested through Moran’s I statistic while local-varying coefficients were estimated with multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR). Distinct spatial clusters of districts with lower access to healthcare services in terms of MHP were seen in Baluchistan, while higher access to healthcare districts were concentrated in Punjab. A discernible upward trajectory in spatial relationship was noted during the period spanning 2008-09 to 2019-20. The MGWR analysis revealed that income, education, hospital access, television, and public transportation access were significantly and negatively associated to MHP incidence. It is observed that local coefficients of MGWR exhibit variation across districts in Pakistan. Findings of this study showed a rise in spatial inequalities concerning MHP. It is imperative for the government and public health workers to give precedence to highly deprived or lower access to health care services districts by directing their attention towards the primary factors that significantly enhance access to healthcare services.</p>

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Measuring Spatial Inequalities in Healthcare Services in Pakistan: Evidence from Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression

  • Zijun Shen,
  • Sami Ullah Khan

摘要

The matter of ensuring equal access to healthcare services is a challenge of global significance, particularly in developing countries. Improvement in these services would lead to a reduction in health deprivation and regional inequities. This research estimates the multidimensional health poverty (MHP) index to (i) identify the spatial clusters of districts vulnerable to health deprivation and explore the spatial connection between neighboring districts concerning MHP scores, and (ii) investigate the local-varying spatial effect of determinants MHP. Pakistan social and living standard measurement (PSLM) data were used to estimate the index by applying Alkire–Foster framework. Spatial dependence was tested through Moran’s I statistic while local-varying coefficients were estimated with multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR). Distinct spatial clusters of districts with lower access to healthcare services in terms of MHP were seen in Baluchistan, while higher access to healthcare districts were concentrated in Punjab. A discernible upward trajectory in spatial relationship was noted during the period spanning 2008-09 to 2019-20. The MGWR analysis revealed that income, education, hospital access, television, and public transportation access were significantly and negatively associated to MHP incidence. It is observed that local coefficients of MGWR exhibit variation across districts in Pakistan. Findings of this study showed a rise in spatial inequalities concerning MHP. It is imperative for the government and public health workers to give precedence to highly deprived or lower access to health care services districts by directing their attention towards the primary factors that significantly enhance access to healthcare services.