Satisfaction with health care system: A comparative study between market-based insurance model of the United States and “out-of-pocket” model in developing and low-income countries

Abstract

Background and purpose: Access to healthcare services is an essential component for ensuring the quality of life. Globally, there is inequity and disparities regarding access to health care. To meet the global healthcare needs, different models of healthcare have been adopted around the world. However, all healthcare models have some strengths and weaknesses. The purpose of this study was to examine the satisfaction among a group of undergraduate students from different countries with their health care models namely, insurance-based model in the United States and “out-of-pocket” model prevalent in low-income countries.

Methods and materials: The study utilized a cross-sectional research design. Undergraduate students, representing different nationalities from a private Southeastern College, were administered a researcher-designed 14-item self-reported electronic questionnaire. Independent t-test and χ² statistics were used to examine the differences between two health care systems and the qualitative responses were analyzed thematically.

Results: Satisfaction towards health care system between the United States and low-income countries was found significantly different (p < .05). However, students in both settings experienced an inability toward affording quality healthcare due to economic factors and disparities.

Conclusions: There is dissatisfaction with health care both in the United States and low-income developing countries among a sample of undergraduate students representing these countries. Efforts to ensure low-cost affordable health care should be a global goal.