Inequality and unmet health needs: Evidence from Turkey health survey data

Objective: This study aims to determine the effects of socio-economic factors on unmet health needs. Methods: The variables used in the analysis were obtained from the "2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016 TURKSTAT Health Survey" micro data set. Differences and impact analyzes have been made. The model was established to determine the degree of depression and socio-economic variables affecting the unmet medical need. Binary Logit Regression analysis was used to analyze the model. Findings: The subcategories of unmet health needs (unmet health needs due to the too long appointment time, distance or transportation problems, and insolvency) differ according to years and socio-demographic variables. Age, income, having health insurance, gender, marital status, education, employment status, eneral health status, physical pain and depression are the most influential factors on unmet health needs. The most affected groups from health inequalities stemming from unmet health needs are disadvantageous ones (women, those who are unemployed, with low education and income level, and no health insurance). Conclusions: The results obtained with this study provided evidence-based information to researchers, policymakers, and healthcare administrators. Keywords: Health, Inequality, Health Inequality, Unmet Health Need