Factors Associated with Healthcare Utilization Among Adults in Saudi Arabia During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

To investigate factors associated with healthcare utilization by adults in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services utilization, we conducted logistic regressions to determine the relationship between predisposing factors (age, gender, education, employment status), need factors (critical medical needs), and enabling factors (insurance coverage, financial loss) on healthcare utilization (challenges accessing medical health care needs, resorting to alternative care, unable to attend medical appointments) as the main outcome. Data of 958 adults residing in KSA were extracted. Financial loss increased the odds of challenges in accessing healthcare (OR: 1.73) and lowered the odds of resorting to alternative medical care (OR: 0.63) and inability to attend healthcare appointments (OR: 0.55). Public insurance increased the odds of skipping healthcare appointments (OR: 1.62). Need factors were associated with lower odds of facing challenges accessing healthcare (OR: 0.37), higher odds of resorting to alternative medical care (OR: 5.65), and failure to attend healthcare appointments (OR: 1.92) respectively. Factors known to enable healthcare utilization should be continuously evaluated during emergency situations. Alternative routes of health provision, along with proper health education, should be accessible to all socioeconomic groups.