表題番号：2024C-087
日付：2025/02/24
研究課題Hospital Avoidance during the later stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from the Oldest-Old Japanese Population
| 研究者所属（当時） | 資格 | 氏名 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| （代表者） | 商学学術院 商学部 | 准教授 | 富 蓉 |
- 研究成果概要
- This study examines healthcare utilization patterns among Japan’s oldest-old during the COVID-19 pandemic’s convergence phase. Analyzing medical claim records linked with income tax data, we investigate how public health interventions, pandemic severity, and income levels associate with healthcare-seeking behaviors. Our findings reveal that public health measures correlate with moderate reductions in healthcare utilization, while pandemic severity’s effects vary depending on these measures’ presence. Healthcare costs remain relatively stable despite fluctuations in service use, suggesting adjustments primarily in visit frequency rather than care intensity. Income-related disparities are minimal in general healthcare access but pronounced in dental care utilization. The study shows a shift from initial healthcare avoidance to more measured engagement over time, reflecting the oldest-old’s adaptation to prolonged crisis conditions. These insights offer valuable implications for tailoring health policies to protect vulnerable populations during extended public health emergencies, particularly in aging societies, highlighting the importance of adaptive strategies in maintaining healthcare access while managing pandemic risks.