Equitable Healthcare Access During the Pandemic: The Impact of Digital Divide and Other SocioDemographic and Systemic Factors

Abstract

Access to healthcare is a fundamental right for all individuals, and it has become more crucial than ever during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, many people have faced barriers to accessing healthcare services due to the digital divide. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought into sharp focus the urgent need for access to healthcare services. The impact of the pandemic on healthcare access has been a matter of concern for policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public alike. This study aimed to empirically examine the determinants of healthcare access during the pandemic, with a specific focus on the impact of the digital divide. The sample size consisted of 312 individuals, and the study applied a multivariable regression model with HAC estimator to analyze the data. Healthcare access was the dependent variable, while the independent variables included Digital divide, Demographic factors, Sociocultural factors, and Systemic factors. The findings revealed that demographic factors, sociocultural factors, and systemic factors significantly impacted healthcare access during the pandemic. However, the most significant finding was the impact of the digital divide on healthcare access. This finding underscores the critical need to address the digital divide to ensure equitable healthcare access during the pandemic and beyond. This study highlights the urgent need for policymakers and healthcare providers to focus on addressing the digital divide to ensure equitable access to healthcare services. By doing so, it will be possible to ensure that vulnerable populations are not left behind during this critical time. The findings of our study have important implications for healthcare policy and practice and can guide future research in this area. This study provides valuable insights into the determinants of healthcare access during the pandemic, which can inform efforts to improve healthcare delivery and promote health equity.