Migration, remittances, and health care utilization in Ecuador

Abstract:

Objective: To examine the relationship between migration and migrant remittances and health care utilization in Ecuador, and to identify any potential equalizing effects. Methods: Using data from the 2004 National Demographic and Maternal & Child Health Survey (ENDEMAIN), a multilevel multivariate analysis was conducted to assess the relationship of two migrant pbkp_redictors (households with an international migrant; use of migrant remittances) with use of preventive care, number of curative visits, hospitalization, and use of antiparasitic medicines. Relevant pbkp_redisposing, enabling, and need factors were included following Andersen's Model of Health Care Utilization Behavior. Interaction terms were included to assess the potential equalizing effects of migration and remittances by ethnicity, area of residence, and economic status. Results: Migrant pbkp_redictors were strongly associated with use of antiparasitic medicines, and to a lesser extent, with curative visits, even after adjusting for various pbkp_redisposing, enabling, and need factors. Interaction models showed that having an international migrant increased use of these services among low-income Ecuadorians (quintiles 1 and 2). No significant relationship was found between migrant pbkp_redictors and use of preventive services. Conclusions: Migration and remittances seem to have an equalizing effect on access to antiparasitic medicines, and to a lesser extent, curative health care services. Health care reform efforts should take into account the scope of this effect when developing public policy.

Año de publicación:

2012

Keywords:

• Emigration and immigration, trends
• MIGRATION
• Health services accessibility
• ECUADOR
• National health policy
• Multilevel analysis

Fuente:

scopus