| Autor: |
Susanne Wehrli, Andrew A. Dwyer, Matthias R. Baumgartner, Carmen Lehmann, Markus A. Landolt |
| Jazyk: |
angličtina |
| Rok vydání: |
2024 |
| Předmět: |
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| Zdroj: |
International Journal of Public Health, Vol 69 (2024) |
| Druh dokumentu: |
article |
| ISSN: |
1661-8564 |
| DOI: |
10.3389/ijph.2024.1607548 |
| Popis: |
ObjectivesThis study aims to determine clusters of access to healthcare among adults with rare diseases in Switzerland, identify associated individual characteristics of access, and impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL).MethodsSwiss adults (N = 341) diagnosed with a rare disease completed an online survey including the Perception of Access to Healthcare Questionnaire (PAHQ) and Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). We employed partition around medoids algorithm to identify patient clusters based on the PAHQ. Various sociodemographic/disease-related factors and HRQoL were assessed.ResultsWe identified two patient clusters: higher (n = 227) and lower access (n = 114). Significantly associated with lower access were an unstable disease course (p < 0.05), increased number of misdiagnoses (p < 0.05), and diseases affecting the nervous system (p < 0.01). Membership in the lower access cluster was significantly associated with worse HRQoL (p < 0.05).ConclusionFindings highlight the need for comprehensive assessment of healthcare access in adults with rare diseases and identifies potential targets for tailored interventions. |
| Databáze: |
Directory of Open Access Journals |
| Externí odkaz: |
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