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Barriers in accessing healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic: analysis of the Virus Watch community cohort study (preprint)
medrxiv; 2024.
Preprint
in English
| medRxiv | ID: ppzbmed-10.1101.2024.02.15.24302762
ABSTRACT
Background:
Differential barriers to accessing healthcare contribute to inequitable health outcomes. This study aims to describe the characteristics of individuals who experienced barriers, and what those barriers were, during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods:
We analysed data from Virus Watch an online survey-based community study of households in England and Wales. The primary outcome was reported difficulty accessing healthcare in the previous year.Results:
Minority ethnic participants reported difficulty accessing healthcare more than White British participants (41.6% vs 37%), while for migrants this was at broadly similar levels to non-migrants. Those living in the most deprived areas reported difficulty more than those living in the least deprived quintile (45.5% vs. 35.5%). The most frequently reported barrier was cancellation/disruption of services due to the COVID-19 pandemic (72.0%) followed by problems with digital or telephone access (21.8%). Ethnic minority participants, migrants, and those from deprived areas more commonly described 'insufficient flexibility of appointments' and 'not enough time to explain complex needs' as barriers.Conclusions:
Minority ethnic individuals and those living in deprived areas were more likely to experience barriers to healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is essential they are addressed as services seek to manage backlogs of care.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
Preprints
Database:
medRxiv
Main subject:
COVID-19
Language:
English
Year:
2024
Document Type:
Preprint
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