Health Care Use Among Rural, Low-Income Women and Children: Results from a 2-Stage Negative Binomial Model

Abstract

Determinants of healthcare use among rural, low-income mothers and children were assessed using a 2-stage negative binomial model of joint mother/child choices and data from a multi-state, longitudinal study, Rural Families Speak. Maternal healthcare use increased with higher depression scores, chronic conditions, new medical conditions, number of children, pediatric visits, prenatal/post-partum needs, and health insurance coverage. Maternal visits decreased with lower income, age, child’s chronic conditions, and child’s private health insurance. Pediatric visits increased with new medical conditions, greater number of chronic conditions, and maternal health visits. Pediatric visits decreased with maternal depression, pregnancy, Latina and African American mothers, more children, and private health insurance coverage. The 2-stage model shows mothers simultaneously choose healthcare visits for themselves and their child.