Health Disparities in Access to Primary Care: A Study of Socioeconomic and Geographic Barriers

Abstract

Disparities in primary care access are an essential problem, which depends on SES and geographical 
location, and where the negative effects are felt most acutely by low-income and rural patients. This 
paper examines the influence of SES and geographical characteristics on primary care utilization and 
the strategies that may help to reduce disparities in access to care. In this study, a cross-sectional 
observational research design was employed and data were obtained from structured questionnaires 
and secondary sources such as census data. Logistic regression and GIS mapping were used to analyze 
the correlation between SES, location, and access, as well as to determine the areas that are 
underserved or have ‘healthcare deserts’.