Evaluation on equalization of the essential public health services utilization based on Theil index and concentration index: evidence from Shandong province

Abstract

Objective To analyze and evaluate the level of equity of essential public health services utilization in Shandong Province. Methods The main methods in use were the concentration index(CI)aided by Theil index, to assess the equity among various items of essential public health services. Results The CI of healthcare archiving, health education, elderly health management, hypertension health management, diabetes management, maternal health management, vaccination and child health management utilization between different income groups were -0.019 2, -0.011 0, 0.025 8, -0.008 0, -0.006 4, 0.037 1, 0.045 0 and 0.106 7 respectively.Theil index demonstrated the inequity in healthcare archiving and health management service utilization in Shandong resulted from regional differences.The inequity in elderly health management, hypertension health, diabetes management, vaccination and child health management utilization in Shandong resulted from urban and rural differences.The inequity in maternal health management utilization in Shandong resulted from urban and rural differences. Conclusions The utilization rate of essential public health services is different among the items, and its equity is influenced by the above-mentioned differences. Key words: Essential public health services; Utilization; Equity; Theil index; Concentration index