Socioeconomic differences in the perception of inequalities in healthcare utilization and health in South Korea

This study investigated the lay perception of inequalities in society, healthcare utilization, and health in Korea. We also examined the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and perception of inequalities. Data from an online survey on the perception of health and healthcare inequalities related to cancer conducted between October 19, 2021, and November 12, 2021, were used. Data of 3,769 participants aged 20 to 74 years from 17 provinces were analyzed. We examined the perceived level of inequalities according to SES or residential area using frequency analysis, a t-test or analysis of variance (ANOVA), multiple linear regression analysis, and multiple logistic regression analysis. The mean score for perception of social inequality was 5.99 [Standard Deviation (SD) = 1.95] and that for perception of healthcare utilization inequality was 4.75 (SD = 1.96). The perception rate of health inequality according to SES and residential area was approximately 59 % and 61 %, respectively. Higher the income level, lower the level of perception of social inequalities β = -0.22, p < 0.01). Higher the education level, higher the level of perception of healthcare utilization inequalities (β = 0.21, p < 0.01). Higher the education level, higher the level of perception of health inequalities according to SES or residential area [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.33 (95 % CI: 1.48, 3.66); aOR: 2.73 (95 % CI: 1.73, 4.31)]. Socioeconomic inequalities were observed in the perception of inequalities in healthcare utilization and health. Policymakers should establish policies to bridge the gap between perceived healthcare utilization inequalities and health inequalities. Future research should investigate the perception of healthcare utilization and health inequalities.