Urban and rural inequities in end-stage kidney disease: a 7-year (2012–2018) random-effects panel study of healthcare access and catastrophic expenditure

Health status and household financial equity between urban and rural individuals with ESKD in South Korea demonstrate positive outcomes of a universal and inclusive healthcare coverage system. Nevertheless, regarding healthcare accessibility, living rurally exhibited lower outpatient and emergency room visits alongside higher inpatient utilisation, indicating greater challenges in CHE. Tailored adjustments to the healthcare system are needed to address the vulnerabilities of rural place.