Keywords: Access to Healthcare, Social Class, Chi-Square, Multivariate Analysis, Odds Ratio
Emergency medical care has become an undeniable right to all individuals within the United States, yet there is still a large number who fail to receive care when needed. Determination of the risk factors that influence these decisions is necessary in order to improve patients’ well-being. This study investigates demographic and socioeconomic factors that have an influence on one’s decision not to receive necessary healthcare utilizing the data from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey. This survey is conducted annually by the National Center for Health Statistics, an agency within the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Upon investigation, ten risk factors were chosen for their impact on decision-making using the logistic regression model. Findings reveal that family size, family income, and the reception of food stamps, among others, are significantly related to an individual’s decision not to receive healthcare when needed. We hope this study will provide community leaders, healthcare officials, and policymakers a practical understanding of the potential risk factors to initiate reform that could benefit those for whom institutional care is not a feasible option.