Inequity in out-of-pocket expenditure and utilization of laboratory tests in Iran: lessons learned in human rights

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to calculate the inequity in out of pocket expenditures and utilization of laboratory tests in Iran. Equal access to health services is an important part of human rights in health care. Out-of-pocket payment is a part of financial access to health care. In this study, the authors tried to find inequity in out-of-pocket payments and utilization of medical laboratory tests (MLTs) as a part of human rights in Iran in 2016. Design/methodology/approach Gini and concentration indices were calculated for this purpose, and regression models were estimated to show the relationship between different factors and utilization and out-of-pocket. Findings The average out-of-pocket payment for all of the households was US$1.56 (urban areas: 1.97 and rural areas: 1.31). Moreover, the average utilization of MLTs was 0.079 (urban areas: 0.0908 and rural areas: 0.0753). Gini and concentration indices for out-of-pocket payments were 0.522 and 0.0701, respectively. Originality/value Out-of-pocket and utilization were low in lower in less developed regions of ease and southeast regions of the country and were related to access to health insurance, income and wealth deciles.