การรักษาพยาบาลของแรงงานไทย ในช่วงเวลาก่อนและระหว่างที่มีการระบาดของโควิด-19

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the factors associated with Thai workers' use of healthcare treatments and the out-of-pocket costs incurred before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Microdata from the Health and Welfare Survey Project for the years 2019 (n=6,320) and 2021 (n=4,890) were used in this study. Data analysis is divided into two parts. First, the factors affecting the decisions made by working-age individuals with illness are examined. Three options were available to an individual with illness: not seeking treatment, self-medicating, and seeking hospital treatment. To determine what factors influenced these decisions, we used the multinomial logistic regression model. Second, the financial burden that Thai patients bear is investigated. We examined the variables related to the individuals' out-of-pocket costs using the Tobit model. This study clarifies important aspects of healthcare use and the financial effects on Thai working-age groups, offering insightful information to healthcare professionals and policymakers.

The results of the multinomial logistic regression model, with the group of sick and untreated Thai laborers as the reference category, indicate the following: The propensity for self-medication among unwell working-age individuals was associated with having a chronic disease condition. Additionally, the propensity for visiting a doctor at the hospital was associated with the following factors: levels of household income per person, having a chronic disease, and having a vehicle in the household.