Health financial hardship among ethnic minority populations in Vietnam

• Published in: Asian ethnicity Vol. 23; no. 3; pp. 527 - 540
• Main Authors: Hoang, Van Minh, Khuong, Quynh Long, Nguyen, Thanh Ha, Doan, Thi Thuy Duong, Tran, Trung, Hoang, Thi Huong, Nguyen, Van Huan, Tran, Thi Tuyet Hanh, Vu, Thi Hoang Lan, Nguyen, Mai Huong, Luu, Thi Kim Oanh, Nguyen, Thi Thu Trang, Cao, Huu Quang, Bui, Thi Thu Ha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 03.07.2022; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Asian languages; Assets; Cross-sectional studies; Ethnic groups; ethnic minorities; Ethnicity; financial hardship; Health care industry; Health insurance; Health services; Insurance coverage; Minority & ethnic groups; Minority groups; Money; Religious identity; Respondents; Secondary education; Sustainable development; Sustainable Development Goals; Universal health coverage; Vietnam; Vietnam
• ISSN: 1463-1369; 1469-2953
• DOI: 10.1080/14631369.2020.1846496

This study was conducted to report the prevalence of financial hardship and identify associated factors among ethnic minority populations in Vietnam. In 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 5,033 ethnic minority participants from 12 provinces located in four socioeconomic regions in Vietnam. Financial hardship was measured by asking the study respondents if they had to borrow money, sell household assets, or stop using health care services due to health care service fees. Among the health service users, 24.0% (95% CI: 22.3-25.8%) faced a health-related financial hardship. Participants with secondary education were more likely to experience financial hardship than illiterate participants. In contrast, those who were able to speak the Vietnamese language, had a religious affiliation, or had health insurance were likely to have lower financial hardship. Continuing to expand health insurance coverage and develop essential packages covered by health insurance is vital to reducing financial hardship.