Bridging the Gap: Rural-Urban Disparities in Healthcare Access

ABSTRACT

This study examines disparities in healthcare access and outcomes between rural and urban populations, with a focus on identifying strategies to reduce inequities in rural settings. Using a cross-sectional design, data were extracted from national health databases and peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2024. Multilevel regression models were employed to assess provider-to-population ratios, travel times, and hospitalisation outcomes, while Concentration Index analysis quantified socioeconomic inequities. The results revealed that rural regions had 42% fewer primary care providers per 10,000 residents compared to urban areas (p < 0.01), with average travel times to acute care facilities nearly tripled (28.7 km vs. 9.6 km). Preventable hospitalizations for chronic conditions were 31% higher in rural populations, and 30-day readmission rates exceeded urban benchmarks by 11%. Equity analysis confirmed a significant negative concentration index (CI = –0.24), indicating disproportionate disease burden among low-income rural households. Model validation yielded a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.087, suggesting robust predictive accuracy. These findings highlight urgent systemic challenges while demonstrating that targeted interventions, such as telehealth and community health worker programs, hold promise for addressing rural-urban health gaps.

Keywords: Rural health disparities, Healthcare access, Preventable hospitalizations, Provider-to-population ratio, socioeconomic inequities, Telehealth interventions