Analysis of influencing factors of economic burden and medical service utilization of diabetic patients in China

BACKGROUND: This study analyzed factors that affect the financial burden and utilization of medical services of patients with diabetes in a city of China. METHODS: We randomly sampled 10% of the information on the front page of diabetic inpatient medical records in the city from January 2014 to September 2019. Total cost of hospitalization, length of hospitalization and the number of hospitalization were analyzed. Descriptive statistical analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were adopted. RESULTS: Understanding the current financial burden of diabetic patients and the use of medical services, the results show that the direct economic burden of diabetic patients per hospitalization was approximately 8,000 Yuan, and the indirect economic burden was approximately 2,000 Yuan. Age, medical payment methods, admission channels, and medical institution grades are all important factors affecting medical expenses and medical service utilization of diabetic patients. In addition, the inequality of medical service utilization of patients is increased due to different types of medical insurance. CONCLUSIONS: To reduce the economic burden on patients and society, governments should strengthen supervision, the advancement of diagnosis and treatment systems, the service conditions of primary medical institutions, the management of medical services, and the use of medical resources. To create a more impartial medical and health environment where the value of medical staff are truly reflected, financial investments should be attained to improve medical technologies and labor costs.