Measuring universal health coverage among general population: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Universal health coverage ensures that everyone has access to essential health services, without financial constraints. Despite this goal, more than half of the global population lack these services. This study aims to measure the universal health coverage among Sharjah residents by focusing on the World Health Organization indicators of financial hardships and accessibility to core health services. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 391 Sharjah residents, aged 18–64 years. The data were collected through interview questionnaires that incorporated both closed- and open-ended questions. Results: The results showed that in the past 12 months, 85.6% of participants did not have access to medicine, 81.9% did not have access to interventions such as surgery, 86.1% did not have access to medical devices, 73.9% did not have access to an appointment with a primary health-care provider, only 25.8% had access to an appointment with a specialist, and 77.6% did not have access to help or support from social services. Participants faced financial challenges in health care, with 25.7% reducing essential spending and nearly 12% delaying health-care visits due to costs. This study found a significant correlation between universal health coverage and factors such as age, sex, nationality, occupation, health insurance possession, and employment status. Conclusion: This study calls for collaborative efforts between health-care providers and policymakers to ensure quality and equal access to universal health coverage. This study signifies a crucial step toward improving health-care policies and practices in the region, ultimately fostering a healthier, happy community and contributing to long-term economic development.