Socioeconomic Inequality in Health Care Use Among Elderly Russians

Data from international studies indicate the existence of socio-economic inequalities in the use of health services by the population, which vary depending on the country, type of service and membership in a particular socio-demographic group. However, the problem of socio-economic differences in healthcare in Russia, especially for older people, has not received due attention. At the same time, population ageing is a serious problem in many countries, including Russia. The increase in the proportion of elderly people leads to an increase in those in need of medical care, so ensuring the availability of medical services for this population group is becoming increasingly important. The aim of the study is to assess socioeconomic inequalities in the use of health services among older Russians. The information base of the study is the data of the Comprehensive Survey of Living Standards of the Population (CSLS), conducted in 2022, on the basis of which multivariate logistic regression models were built. The study found socioeconomic inequalities in the use of health care by older patients. Compared with individuals in the highest quintile of household per capita income, individuals in lower quintiles have lower odds of using outpatient and inpatient services. Older adults with lower levels of education are less likely to use outpatient and inpatient care, and employed older adults are less likely to use all types of services compared to those who are not employed. The analysis concluded that it is important to create a more equitable healthcare system, where every person, regardless of age and socioeconomic status, can receive the medical care they need.