Socioeconomic Inequalities in the Utilisation of Healthcare Services in Ghana

Abstract

Ensuring that people from different socioeconomic statuses have access to reliable healthcare services is a basic human right. However, healthcare disparities are a worldwide population health issue, mostly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This research examined the socioeconomic inequalities in healthcare services use in Ghana based on GLSS 6 & 7 data sets. The study used concentration curves, concentration indices and Recentered Influence Function OLS decomposition technique to analyse the degree and causes of socioeconomic inequalities in the utilisation of healthcare services. Also, the Wagstaff decomposition technique was employed to examine the effect of physical, human and social capital on socioeconomic disparities in healthcare use. Finally, the linear and non-linear Oaxaca decomposition methods were used to describe how technology diffusion accounts for gender and rural-urban differential in healthcare use. The study revealed pervasive pro-rich and pro-educated inequalities in the use of healthcare. Besides, it was found that there were gender and locational gaps in the use of healthcare and that mobile phone accounts for a greater portion of these inequalities. The study recommends policy priority to focus on targeted and progressive development of appropriate physical and human capital and other allied services to ease access to healthcare services. Finally, policy strategies should be pursued to support the rural poor and vulnerable to help offset the cost of air time and data, especially for seeking health information.