Factors influencing decisions of Laotian patients to use health care services in Thailand

Abstract

Background: Thailand has been facing a gradual increase in use of cross-border health care. Nevertheless, no evidence regarding factors influencing cross-border use of health care by Laotian patients in public Thai hospitals among this group has been established. Objectives: To assess the use of cross-border health care by Laotian patients, and factors that may influence health services in public Thai hospitals along the border. Methods: This study consisted of two parts. (1) Site-visits to 53 Thai public hospitals along the Thai-Laos border during May to July 2011 and collection of data regarding the use of health care services by Laotian patients. (2) A structured questionnaire survey was conducted via face interviews by trained researchers. Findings were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression. Results: The most common conditions for which treatment was sought were common diseases and basic operative procedures. All hospitals had been facing substantial financial burden, particularly for inpatient care. The analysis of use indicated that a perception of differences in the quality of health services, ability to pay for treatment anywhere, and distance to health services were three major factors affecting the decision of Laotian patients to cross the border to obtain health care in Thailand. Interviews with hospital directors and staff revealed that more financial support and a clear policy for care of Laotian patients was needed. Conclusions:The perception of better quality of health care in Thailand by Laotian patients was the major factor affecting cross-border use of health care services. Assistance to improve healthcare in Laos and financial support for subsidizing care for the indigent Laotian patients is needed.

Perceived barriers in accessing sexual and reproductive health services for youth in Lao People’s Democratic Republic

“…The urban districts Sikhottabong and Kaysone were chosen based on proximity to the YFHCs. The rural districts Hatsayfong and Songkhone were chosen based on proximity to the Thai border; previous research showed that many Laotians living near the border crossed it to use Thai health care services because they considered the quality of Thai health services better than in Laos [19].…”

Perceived Barriers in Accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health Services for Youth in Lao People’s Democratic Republic

“…The urban districts Sikhottabong and Kaysone were chosen based on proximity to the YFHCs. The rural districts Hatsayfong and Songkhone were chosen based on proximity to the Thai border; previous research showed that many Laotians living near the border crossed it to use Thai health care services because they considered the quality of Thai health services better than in Laos [12].…”

Estimating the national burden of hospitalizations for influenza-associated severe acute respiratory infection in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, 2016

“…( 17 ) Furthermore, a study examining the characteristics of Lao People's Democratic Republic nationals seeking health care in Thailand found that from 2009 through 2011, the diagnosis of unspecified pneumonia was one of the top five inpatient conditions for which Lao People's Democratic Republic nationals were treated each year. ( 18 ) These findings could contribute to our conservative estimates. Given these additional areas of uncertainty, we should note that the 95% confidence intervals presented here (and suggested in the WHO manual) ( 7 ) account for only random sampling variation and do not account for classification errors and other possible sources of bias.…”