Failure of Care Acquisition: Identifying Risk Factors in American Health Disparities

Abstract

We examined the effects of various demographic and socioeconomic risk factors that influence an adult's decision not to obtain medical care in the United States utilizing data from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression revealed that family income, insurance status and whether one worries about paying medical bills make individuals nearly 80% less likely to obtain care than their counterparts. This study provides evidence that certain risk factors, especially those directly related to one's socioeconomic status, may put individuals at greater risk for failure to obtain care. Interventions in policy may be needed to combat and reduce the many medical inequalities present within American society.