INFLUENCE OF THE SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS ON THE HEALTH OF RURAL POPULATION

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the socio-demographic factors of health of rural population living in settlements of up to 1,000 people. We have analysed theoretical approaches explaining the mechanisms of influence of age, level of education, employment status and income levels on the health of rural residents. Materials and Methods: The empirical analysis is based on the selective monitoring of the quality and accessibility of services performed by Rosstat, in the fields of education, health and social services, and promotion of employment. Multidimensional distributions have been calculated using the SPSS 17.0. Results: The results of the research show the influence of the key social determinants (i.e. level of education, employment status, incomes, age) on health, as well as on the features of self-preserving behavior (i.e. levels of appeal for medical assistance, medical information literacy, the levels of compliance with doctor’s instructions). The results of the study allow us to identify the risk groups for the “ill health” of the rural population: people of older age groups, with low levels of education, without official employment and with incomes below the subsistence level. Conclusion: The results of the study can be used in the development and implementation of the public policy measures aimed at strengthening and maintaining the health of rural population.