15 February 2026, Volume 40 Issue 2
    

  • Select all
    |
  • Obstacles and optimized path of the development of health insurance for people with pre-existing conditions in China from the perspective of health management integration
    WANG Xiaoling, WU Hong
    Soft Science of Health. 2026, 40(2): 1-4. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1003-2800.2026.02.001
    Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save
    Population aging and the prevalence of chronic diseases have led to a continuous increase in the demand for health security among people with pre-existing conditions in China. With the development of health management, the integration of health insurance and health management has gradually become a key path to enhancing the accessibility of protection for people with pre-existing conditions. From the perspective of health management integration, this study reviews the institutional evolution and international experience of health insurance for people with pre-existing conditions and analyzes its operational mechanisms from three aspects: product supply characteristics, risk control strategies, and the embedding of health management. Main obstacles of the development of health insurance for people with pre-existing conditions in China are revealed from aspects such as institutional support, risk regulation, health intervention capacity and integration benefits. On this basis, suggestions for optimized path are proposed, including improving institutional support and policy incentives, establishing an industry risk-sharing mechanism, perfecting the classified management of health management services, and innovating settlement methods to promote the deep integration of health insurance and health management, and enhance the health security level of people with pre-existing conditions.
  • A novel approach to smart prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases at county-level areas——based on the operational practice and effectiveness evaluation of “electrocardiograph network” in Haian
    ZHANG Di, TANG Zhongxi, ZHAO Fukang, FANG Xinyuan, YAN Yongjin, LIN Zhenping
    Soft Science of Health. 2026, 40(2): 5-9. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1003-2800.2026.02.002
    Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save
    Objective To understand the current operational status of the “electrocardiograph network” project at county-level areas, and to explore the effectiveness of the “electrocardiograph network” in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases in rural areas. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the officials related to “electrocardiograph network” project in the Health Commission of Haian and medical institutions at all levels, as well as cardiologists. The thematic analysis method was used to analyze the significance, current status, effectiveness, problems and solutions of the project. The quality of life of patients with yellow and red warning levels was evaluated in the telephone follow-up screening by using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. Non-parametric tests were used for single factor analysis, and Tobit regression was used to conduct multiple factor analysis to explore the influencing factors of quality of life. Results Since the implementation of “electrocardiograph network” project in Haian for two years, a total of 20,827 people have been screened. 1,661 were yellow warning and 139 were red warning which indicated critical condition. The program had a wide coverage, clear operating procedures and fast response speed for treatment, which played an important role in coping with aging population, improving the efficiency of diagnosis and treatment by electrocardiograph in rural areas and promoting hierarchical diagnosis and treatment. The 95%CI for average quality of life of the follow-up patients was 0.892 (0.866~0.918), and 95%CI for VAS score was 81.40 (80.01~82.78). Advanced age and being female were risk factors for low quality of life. Conclusions The “electrocardiograph network” in Haian contributes to the early detection and treatment of heart diseases, improves the quality of life of patients, and achieves good social benefits. However, its full potential has not yet been realized.
  • Towards value symbiosis: the governance approach for the ethical risks of large language models in healthcare
    LIU Yang, YANG Yuhe, YU Qinming
    Soft Science of Health. 2026, 40(2): 10-16. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1003-2800.2026.02.003
    Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save
    Large language models (LLMs) in healthcare are vertical applications of LLMs in the healthcare domain based on technologies such as Transformer architecture and big data analytics. While empowering the digital and intelligent transformation and development of medical scenarios, they also give rise to a series of ethical risks that require urgent governance and response. The paradigm of value symbiosis not only provides a theoretical perspective for deeply examining the generative mechanisms of ethical risks in LLMs in healthcare, but also offers methodological support for the governance mechanism of ethical risks in LLMs in healthcare. By reviewing the main application scenarios of LLMs in healthcare, this article summarizes and analyzes the subject ethical risks resulting from the weakening of the dominant positions of patients and doctors and the trust crisis, the institutional ethical risks arising from the mismatch between model iteration and institutional rigidity, the responsibility ethical risks due to unclear rights and accountability in human-machine collaboration, the technical ethical risks resulting from the conflict between algorithmic black boxes and the transparency of diagnosis and treatment, and generative mechanisms. A coupling analysis is conducted on the paradigm of value symbiosis and the governance stance for ethical risks of LLMs in healthcare. Based on the paradigm of value symbiosis, the article explores the governance approach for the ethical risks of LLMs in healthcare from four dimensions: building a governance community founded on collaborative co-governance, establishing an ethical institutional system guided by value consensus, shaping a responsibility mechanism oriented towards risk sharing, and developing a technical model aimed at human-machine symbiosis.
  • Research on the influencing factors and enhancement strategies of the attractiveness of primary health care jobs based on structural equation modeling
    JIANG Rongqin, ZHANG Huili, QIN Chenli, HU Dan
    Soft Science of Health. 2026, 40(2): 17-23. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1003-2800.2026.02.004
    Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save
    Objective To analyze the influencing factors and enhancement strategies of the attractiveness of primary health care jobs, thereby assisting primary health institutions in attracting and retaining talents. Methods A stratified sampling method was adopted to conduct a questionnaire survey on the respondents. Independent samples t-test and one factor analysis of variance were employed to study the perception for job attractiveness among primary health care workers with different characteristics. Based on the Existence-Relatedness-Growth (ERG) theory, a structural equation model was constructed to analyze the relatedness between research factors and the attractiveness of primary health care jobs from three dimensions, and relevant suggestions were put forward. Results The scores of job attractiveness for primary health care workers showed statistically significant differences among the variables such as region, gender, age, education level, whether they were local residents, position, years of work, and job satisfaction (P<0.05). The structural equation modeling of the attractiveness of primary health care jobs showed that the standardized path coefficients of existence dimension, relatedness dimension, and growth dimension were 0.77, 0.10, and 0.21, respectively, indicating that the existence dimension had the strongest impact on job attractiveness, while the relatedness dimension had the weakest effect. In the existence dimension, the effect of salary level (0.91) ranked first. In the growth dimension, the effects of value realization (0.90) and the promotion of professional title (0.87) ranked first and second. In the relatedness dimension, the effect of doctor-patient relationships (0.88) ranked first, while the path coefficient of policy support (-0.43) was negative. Conclusions Salary level, value realization, doctor-patient relationships, professional title advancement, and policy support are significant influencing factors for the attractiveness of primary health care jobs.
  • Analysis of the operational efficiency of hospitals in Western China and its influencing factors
    TAN Sha, ZHANG Xie, ZHAO Tong
    Soft Science of Health. 2026, 40(2): 24-29. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1003-2800.2026.02.005
    Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save
    Objective To analyze the key factors influencing the operational efficiency of hospitals, and to provide a reference for improving the operational efficiency of hospitals in Western China. Methods A three-stage DEA-Tobit modeling was used to evaluate the operational efficiency of hospitals in 12 western provinces of China from 2013 to 2022 and explore the influencing factors. Results After removing environmental factors, the average comprehensive technical efficiency of hospitals in Western China increased from 0.954 to 0.959; the average pure technical efficiency rose from 0.960 to 0.963, and the average scale efficiency increased from 0.994 to 0.996. The per capita gross regional product (GRP) was negatively correlated with the adjusted comprehensive technical efficiency value (P<0.05), while the elderly dependency ratio was positively correlated with the adjusted comprehensive technical efficiency value (P<0.05). Conclusions The per capita GRP has a negative impact on efficiency, suggesting a mismatch between resource input and output efficiency. The elderly dependency ratio shows a positive impact, and the continuous demand for medical services exerts a driving force for the optimization of hospital processes.
  • Research on optimization strategies of community-embedded elderly care services from the perspective of service chain theory
    XIAO Wen, MA Yuedan
    Soft Science of Health. 2026, 40(2): 30-35. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1003-2800.2026.02.006
    Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save
    The community-embedded elderly care model, as a pioneering exploration in the field of elderly care services, is a crucial initiative of the proactive national strategy in response to population aging. This paper constructs a community-embedded elderly care services chain based on service chain theory. Through a systematic perspective, it analyzes the dynamic process of community-embedded elderly care services from three stages: service provision, service transmission, and service utilization. It clarifies the factors and conditions that constrain the development of community-embedded elderly care services and proposes corresponding optimization strategies. This approach can integrate community-based elderly care resources, enhance service efficiency and quality, and advance the realization of high-quality elderly care goals.
  • The impact of older adults in the community using the Internet on health-related quality of life: the mediating effect of social isolation
    LI Zhaodan, JIANG Zhe, YUAN Xinyu, XU Xiaowen, REN Xiaohui
    Soft Science of Health. 2026, 40(2): 36-41. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1003-2800.2026.02.007
    Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save
    Objective To understand the impact of older adults in the community using the Internet on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Chengdu, explore the mediating role of social isolation and provide a reference for promoting HRQoL of older adults. Methods Purposive sampling was used to survey 548 older adults aged 60 and above in two communities in Chengdu. The Social Isolation Scale (SIS) was used to measure the degree of social isolation, and the Chinese version of the EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) was used to measure HRQoL. Multivariate Tobit regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of HRQoL, while structural equation modeling was used to analyze the mediating role of social isolation between Internet usage and HRQoL. Results The Internet usage rate among surveyed older adults was 75.36%; the score of social isolation was 20.0 (15.0, 24.0) points; the connection score was 10.0 (7.0, 12.0) points; the sense of belonging score was 10.0 (7.0, 12.0) points; and effect values of the HRQoL was 0.949 (0.891, 1.000). Tobit regression analysis showed that the scores of age, employment status, suffering from chronic diseases, Internet usage and social isolation were the influencing factors of the HRQoL of older adults. Older adults who used the Internet (β=0.037, P=0.007) and had higher scores of social isolation (namely a lower degree of social isolation) (β = 0.007, P<0.001) demonstrated higher effect values of HRQoL. In the Mediation Model, the standardized effect value of social isolation among older adults was 0.100 (95%CI: 0.066~0.135, P<0.001), accounting for 42.55% of the total effect. The parallel mediation model showed that the effect value of the degree of connection was 0.022 (95%CI:0.009~0.036, P<0.001), accounting for 28.21% of the total effect. Conclusions The Internet use among older adults is positively correlated with the HRQoL of older adults through direct paths as well as indirect paths that reduce social isolation.
  • Text analysis of hospice care policies in China from the perspective of policy tools and stakeholders
    LU Zhentao, GUO Jing, ZHOU Jiaomei, YANG Jie
    Soft Science of Health. 2026, 40(2): 42-47. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1003-2800.2026.02.008
    Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save
    Objective To analyze the overall characteristics and implementation status of the policy texts on hospice care in China, and to provide references for the subsequent optimization and improvement of policies. Methods The central level policies related to hospice care from 2016 to 2024 were taken as the subjects, and a two-dimensional policy analysis framework of “policy tools (X dimension)-stakeholders (Y dimension)” was constructed to quantitatively analyze the policies. Results A total of 65 policy documents were included, and 177 items have been encoded. In terms of the X dimension, the proportions of the utilization of supply-oriented, environment-oriented and demand-oriented policy tools were 38.42%, 36.16% and 25.42%, respectively. In terms of the Y dimension, the proportions of the executing party, the leading party, the funding party, and the demand party were 53.67%, 31.64%, 10.73%, and 3.96%, respectively. Conclusions China's hospice care policies have initially established a multi-level service system through supply-oriented and environment-oriented tools, with social benefits gradually emerging. However, there are still problems such as an imbalance in the structure of policy tools, weak driving force of the demand side, uneven coverage of stakeholders, and insufficient two-dimensional coupling. It is suggested to optimize the policy tool framework to strengthen the traction on the demand side; boost the cohesion among relevant parties by balancing the distribution of interests and responsibilities; and enhance the coupling of the two-dimensional framework to implement precise policy intervention.
  • The impact of DRG payment reform on the structure of average hospitalization expenses per hospital admission in district and county-level 3A hospitals
    YIN Yu, HUANG Xiaoguang
    Soft Science of Health. 2026, 40(2): 48-53. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1003-2800.2026.02.009
    Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save
    Objective This paper analyzes the impact of Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) reform on the changes of hospitalization expenses in 3A public hospitals at the county and district levels and evaluates the cost control effect of DRG to provide a reference for optimizing the structure of hospitalization expenses. Methods A total of 154,563 DRG payment cases in Nanjing Jiangning Hospital from 2021 to 2023 were collected. Based on the actual situation of disease types, the information of the top ten diseases accounting for the largest proportion of discharged patients was selected, totaling 40,476 cases. Grey relational analysis, structural variation degree analysis and Interrupted Time Series (ITS) analysis were used to analyze the changes in the structure of hospitalization expenses. Results After DRG payment, except for the increase in comprehensive medical service fees, average hospitalization expenses per hospital admission and other expenses all decreased. Inspection and laboratory examination fees were most closely related to the average hospitalization expenses per hospital admission. The structural variation degree of inpatient expenses for patients in the top ten diseases was 6.91%. The top three changes of the contribution rate of structural variation were drug expenses (47.75%), comprehensive medical service fees (28.89%), and treatment fees (11.95%), with a cumulative contribution rate of 88.59%. ITS analysis indicated that drug and material expenses decreased after the DRG reform, and the decline of material expenses slowed down. Conclusions After DRG payment reform, the overall cost control ability of county-level hospitals has been improved. Hospitals should further optimize the structure of costs based on their own medical service characteristics.
  • Research on the utilization status and influencing factors of Internet-based health management for patients with chronic diseases in Taizhou based on the Andersen Model
    QUE Wenjun, JIANG Zicheng, GU Jinhua, SHEN Aijun
    Soft Science of Health. 2026, 40(2): 54-59. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1003-2800.2026.02.010
    Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save
    Objective To investigate the utilization status of Internet-based health management services among patients with chronic diseases in Taizhou and analyze its influencing factors, and to provide a scientific basis for optimizing the intelligent management of chronic diseases. Methods A questionnaire was designed based on the theoretical framework of the Andersen Model. Through convenience sampling, 400 patients with chronic diseases who visited medical institutions at all levels in Taizhou from January to June 2023 were selected. Socio-demographic characteristics, health status, and service utilization data were collected. The influencing factors were analyzed using the Chi-square test and binary logistic regression. Results The utilization rate of Internet-based health management services among patients with chronic diseases was 65.56%. The results of the logistic regression analysis revealed that influencing factors of Internet-based chronic disease management were age and education level among the predisposing factors; the number of concurrent chronic diseases, self-reported health, the number of medical visits due to chronic diseases in the past six months, and life satisfaction among the demand factors; and the current average monthly income, medical insurance and pension insurance among the enabling factors. Conclusions The utilization rate of Internet-based health management services among patients with chronic diseases in Taizhou is influenced jointly by predisposing factors, enabling factors, and demand factors. In the future, more user-friendly service models should be designed for vulnerable groups such as older adults and less educated people, and the medical insurance reimbursement policies should be improved to enhance service accessibility.
  • Performance evaluation of medical services in a public hospital based on DRG indicators—taking Wuxi Fifth People's Hospital as an example
    YANG Shubin
    Soft Science of Health. 2026, 40(2): 60-63. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1003-2800.2026.02.011
    Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save
    Objective Based on the Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG) indicators, a comprehensive evaluation of the performance levels of medical services of each clinical department in the sample hospital is conducted to provide a decision-making basis for the optimization of hospital operations. Methods Entropy weight TOPSIS and rank sum ratio (RSR) method were employed to classify and rank the performance levels of medical services of each clinical department in the sample hospital from five dimensions: medical service capability, cost control capability, medical service efficiency, medical service quality, and medical service safety. Results The evaluation results for the departments of Respiratory Medicine, Tuberculosis, Hepatology, and Interventional Medicine were excellent. The evaluation results for the departments of Gynecology, Rheumatology and Immunology, and Endocrinology were poor. The evaluation results for the remaining departments were moderate. Conclusions There are significant differences in the medical performance levels among the 19 clinical departments of the sample hospital. The hospital should identify its development orientation and take measures based on circumstances of clinical departments to promote the overall improvement of medical performance levels of the hospital.
  • Analysis of the coupling coordination between resource allocation in mental health and regional economic development in China
    MAO Shuying, WEI Yuwen, YANG Jiamin, ZHU Mengrong, YUE Lin
    Soft Science of Health. 2026, 40(2): 64-68. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1003-2800.2026.02.012
    Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save
    Objective To explore the degree of coupling coordination between resource allocation in mental health and regional economic development in China, and to promote the coordinated progress of resource allocation and economic development. Methods Panel data of 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) in 2020 were organized. A comprehensive evaluation model, a coupling coordination model, and a spatial auto-correlation model were used to analyze the resource allocation in mental health and regional economic development index. Results The comprehensive development index for resource allocation in mental health (U1) was generally lower than that for regional economy (U2). Through comparison, it was found that many provinces were of the type with lagging resource allocation. The results of the coupling coordination degree showed that only Guangdong Province achieved high-quality coordination, while most provinces were in a state of barely coordinated, marginally disordered, or seriously disordered. Spatial dependence of the coupling coordination degree was significant. Conclusions Resource allocation in mental health and regional economy in China have not yet formed an effective coordinated interaction. It is suggested that measures be taken based on local conditions to achieve optimal development.
  • Research on the forecast of the demand for human resources in healthcare in Fujian Province based on the combination of forecasts model
    ZHAO Xiaodong, LIN Xiuquan, WU Shenggen
    Soft Science of Health. 2026, 40(2): 69-73. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1003-2800.2026.02.013
    Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save
    Objective This paper studies the current status of human resources supply in healthcare in Fujian Province and predicts the trend of changes in health workers, so as to provide a reference for promoting the balance between supply and demand of human resources in healthcare in Fujian Province. Methods The combination of forecasts method was adopted. The gray GM(1,1) model, quadratic regression model, Holt-Winters linear model, and ARIMA model were used for individual predictions. The weights of each model were determined by the Reciprocal of Error Sum of Squares to construct a combined model, and its effectiveness was verified through error comparison. Results The combined model achieved the optimal prediction accuracy and the best stability. The RMSE values of the three types of health personnel that were health technicians, practicing(assistant)physicians and registered nurses were 0.25,0.45 and 0.09,respectively. The MAE values were 0.19,0.34 and 0.07,respectively. From 2024 to 2028, the three types of health personnel would continue to grow. It was projected that the number of healthcare professionals would increase from 339,800 to 394,500; the number of practicing (assistant) physicians would rise from 132,500 to 156,200; and the number of registered nurses would increase from 168,700 to 199,100. The average annual growth rates were 4.28%, 5.80% and 4.33%, respectively, all of which were lower than the historical growth rates from 2009 to 2023. Conclusions The combination of forecasts model is applicable for medium-to-long-term predictions of regional human resources in healthcare. The demand for human resources in healthcare in Fujian Province is still on the rise. Efforts should be made to strengthen the talent team by optimizing the structure, improving the quality and enhancing policies.
  • Analysis of the gap between the development status of the traditional Chinese medicine medical service system and the goal of building a strong province in Shanxi Province from 2021 to 2023, as well as corresponding countermeasures
    WANG Jue, LIANG Ruifeng, SUN Yajuan, NIU Wei, LIU Huze
    Soft Science of Health. 2026, 40(2): 74-78. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1003-2800.2026.02.014
    Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save
    Objective To analyze the gap between the development status of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) medical service system and the goal of building a strong province in Shanxi Province, and to provide a reference for promoting the construction of a province strong in TCM. Methods Based on the data of TCM medical service system in the “Traditional Chinese Medicine Medical Service Monitoring Network Direct Reporting System” of National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Shanxi from 2021 to 2023, as well as the data from the “Shanxi Statistical Yearbook” during the same period, the scale and structural characteristics of the TCM medical service system were analyzed. The Dagum Gini coefficient was used to evaluate the balance of its distribution in different regions, and it was compared with the goals of a strong province. Results The scale of the TCM medical service system in Shanxi Province continued to expand from 2021 to 2023. The number of TCM hospitals increased from 245 in 2021 to 259 in 2023, with the proportion of private hospitals rising and secondary public hospitals dominating (80%). The bed utilization rate of tertiary hospitals reached 92.05% in 2023. The number of secondary or above public TCM hospitals with rehabilitation department and geriatric department has increased, and the coverage rate of grassroots TCM clinics has reached 93.98%. The Gini coefficient of TCM general practitioners in Jinzhong region (0.428) was higher than that in Jinbei region (0.158). The number of TCM practicing (assistant) physicians per thousand population (0.35) had not met the requirements of a strong province. Conclusions The TCM medical service system of Shanxi Province still has deficiencies in terms of system structure, the connotation of grassroots services, the total number of talents, and regional balance. In the future, it is necessary to optimize the system structure, deepen the construction of connotation, innovate talent mechanisms, and strengthen resource regulation.
  • Exploration of the practical dilemmas and resolution pathway in the qualitative assessment of traditional Chinese health preservation services
    LI Yige, HUO Zenghui
    Soft Science of Health. 2026, 40(2): 79-83. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1003-2800.2026.02.015
    Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save
    With the rapid development of the market of traditional Chinese health preservation services, the disorderly application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) techniques in non-medical institutions has become increasingly prominent. The core issue lies in the ambiguous definition of TCM diagnostic and therapeutic activities. This paper analyzes typical cases to clarify the current positioning of TCM techniques and systematically reveal the problems existing in the current qualitative methods of traditional Chinese health preservation services. By reviewing theories defining medical treatment and considering the characteristic of “integrated prevention and control” in TCM, it is argued that the “risk theory of professional behavior” is applicable in the governance of the traditional Chinese health preservation industry. Centered on the professionalism and risks of the conduct, this theory not only appropriately positions TCM techniques, but also alleviates the pain points of reviewing subjective intent. Accordingly, this paper innovatively proposes a definition model of “static risk classification + dynamic comprehensive characterization”, providing a reference for resolving the boundary issues between traditional Chinese health preservation and medical services, and promoting the healthy and orderly development of the market of traditional Chinese health preservation.
  • Research on the impact of social capital on the utilization of basic public health services by older adults in urban areas of Chengdu
    CHEN Min, ZHANG Wanjia, CHEN Junhan, GAO Bo
    Soft Science of Health. 2026, 40(2): 84-88. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1003-2800.2026.02.016
    Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save
    Objective To explore the impact of social capital on the utilization of basic public health services by older adults, and to provide a reference for promoting the utilization of basic public health services among older adults. Methods A multi-stage random cluster sampling was used to conduct a questionnaire survey among urban elderly people aged 65 and above in Chengdu. Single factor analysis and logistic regression model were used to explore the influence of social capital and other factors on the utilization of basic public health services. Results 37.4% of respondents were aware that their information had been recorded; 33.2% knew that they had contracted family doctors, and 40.7% of them had received health check-ups at the grassroots level in the past year. The higher the score of family social capital was, the lower the possibilities of not establishing health records (OR=0.990, 95%CI:0.982~0.997) and not receiving health check-ups were (OR＝0.987, 95%CI:0.980~0.993). The higher the individual's social capital score was, the lower the possibility of not contracting a family doctor was (OR=0.988, 95%CI:0.982~0.995). Conclusions Individual and family social capital are important social factors influencing the utilization of basic public health services by older adults.
  • Research on the impact of the integration of medical insurance system on the health and health inequality of rural older adults——based on the PSM-DID model
    CHEN Dongquan, CHENG Huaizhi, TIAN Ruotong, DONG Xiaoyu, GAO Lingxiao, YANG Qiuju, GUO Bin
    Soft Science of Health. 2026, 40(2): 89-94. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1003-2800.2026.02.017
    Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save
    Objective To explore the impact of the integration of medical insurance system on the health and health inequality of rural older adults in China, and to provide a reference for the improvement of the medical insurance system. Methods Based on the data of 2015 and 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, propensity score matching and the difference-in-differences method were used to examine the extent to which the integration of medical insurance system affected the health and health inequality of rural older adults in China. Results The results of baseline regression showed that the integration of medical insurance system improved the health level of rural older adults by 10.3% and reduced the health inequality by 1.3%. The analysis of mediating effects showed that the integration of medical insurance system improved the health level through improving the utilization of the health care services for older adults. Heterogeneity analysis showed that the integration of the medical insurance system improved the health status of the high-income group and the group without chronic diseases by 10.7% and 10.3%, respectively, and reduced the health inequality of the group without chronic diseases by 12.0%. Conclusions The integration of medical insurance systems can improve the health conditions of rural older adults, but effective measures are needed to be taken to consolidate the achievements. The integration of the medical insurance system reduces health inequality among rural older adults by promoting the utilization of medical services, but its mediating role is extremely limited. The focus is on the low-income older adults in rural areas and the vulnerable groups with chronic diseases, and precise medical assistance measures are implemented.
Copyright © Soft Science of Health, All Rights Reserved.
Tel: 0871-65323117　
E-mail：wsrkxbjb@vip.163.com
Powered by Beijing Magtech Co. Ltd,.