Inequity in the distribution of rural family physicians in Iran: a cross sectional study

• Published in: International journal of human rights in healthcare Vol. 12; no. 4; pp. 258 - 266
• Main Authors: Tabari-Khomeiran, Rasoul, Ehsani-Chimeh, Elham, Davoudi Kiakalayeh, Ali, Homaie Rad, Enayatollah, Delavari, Sajad
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bingley Emerald Publishing Limited 29.08.2019; Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• Subjects: Access; Cross-sectional studies; Distribution; Employment; Families & family life; Family physicians; Females; GDP; Gender; Gross Domestic Product; Health care; Health care policy; Health services; Human resources; Human rights; Imbalance; Indexes; Inequality; Life expectancy; Marital status; Medical education; Medical referrals; Per capita; Physicians; Population; Provinces; Ratings & rankings; Rural areas; Rural communities; Software; Iran; Health care disparities; Supply and distribution; Iran; Family physician
• ISSN: 2056-4902; 2056-4910
• DOI: 10.1108/IJHRH-12-2018-0077

Purpose Equal distribution of health human resources is a major issue to achieve human rights in healthcare. Rural family physicians (RFPs) as a part of health human resources play an important role in delivering health services, so the purpose of this paper is to calculate amount of inequity in distribution of RFPs in Iran. Design/methodology/approach In this study, the authors tried to find inequity in the distribution of RFPs in the provinces of Iran. For this purpose, inequity indices containing concentration curves and indices were calculated by ranking health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE). Furthermore, a regression model was estimated to find the pattern and influencing factors of inequity in the distribution of RFPs. Findings The number of male RFPs was significantly higher in Sistan va Baloochestan, and in the same line, the number of female RFPs was higher in Zanjan province. Concentration index of total RFPs was 0.0568 (not significant) (males= 0.041, females= 0.0718). The results of regression model showed that HALE and per capita GDP did not have any significant relationship with RFPs distribution (HALE p=0.753, GDP p=0.792). Originality/value The RFP plan was successful in enhancing equal access to physician and health care services relatively. However, gender imbalance in distribution of RFPs was high especially in less-developed regions.