Interrelatıonshıps Between Socıodemographıc Characterıstıcs, Poverty and Out of Pocket Health Expendıtures in Turkey

Abstract

Health expenditures have had a rapidly increasing trend around the world due to technological advancements in the health sector, population growth, changes in sociodemographic characteristics, etc. Managing the increasing health expenditures by means of health financing methods has been an essential part of health policies. Out-of-pocket (OOP) health expenditure has been among one of the most common health financing methods across the world. Even though, its scope varies according to economic, social and developmental outlook of countries, OOP health expenditures have social and economic consequences such as catastrophic health expenditures and impoverishment. This study is looking for answers for the research questions stated as i) “How sociodemographic characteristics of individuals and households affect OOP health expenditures and catastrophic health expenditures in Turkey?” and ii) “Do OOP health expenditures cause impoverishment of individuals and households in Turkey?” Within the context of statistical analyses and calculations, Household Budget Surveys data is used conducted by Turkish Statistical Institute between 2004 and 2017 to observe a long period including the health transformation process of Turkey. According to the results of the analyses, almost all independent variables included in the model have a statistically significant effect on households’ OOP health expenditures. Although from 2004 to 2012 a notable decline trend was observed in catastrophic health expenditures, as of 2012, the rate has ever-growing trend. When impoverished households due to OOP health expenditures are examined, it is seen that health insurance status, education, having pre-school age or elderly or disabled member are prominent features.