Spatial cognition mechanism of health: The relationship between perceived accessibility of medical facilities and health and health behaviour. (17th October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: He, Jun; Wang, Xinxian; Gao, Xiangdong
• Is Part Of: Asia Pacific viewpoint. Volume 64:Number 1(2023)
• Page Start: 17
• Page End: 31
• Publication Date: 2022-10-17
• Subjects: China -- health behaviour -- health status -- medical service facilities -- migrant residents -- perceived accessibility; Asia -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; Asia -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; Pacific Area -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; Pacific Area -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; 910.91823
• DOI: 10.1111/apv.12354
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-7456

Abstract

Abstract : There is no consistent conclusion on the impact of improving the physical accessibility of medical facilities/resources on the utilisation of medical facilities and health outcomes, which may be due to neglecting the role of spatial cognition of physical facilities, which will be directly related to health behaviour and outcomes. This article uses China Migrants Dynamic Survey to examine the relationship between perceived accessibility of medical facilities and health and health behaviour. The results show that perceived accessibility is positively associated with health and related behaviour. The higher the perceived accessibility to the medical facilities, the better the subjective and objective health status of migrant residents. Similarly, the more positive the preventive and healthcare‐seeking behaviour is. This study suggests that public policymakers need to intervene in residents' spatial cognition of medical resources around their neighbourhoods to enhance the collective benefits of medical facilities.