Older adult access to health care services in Ban Phaeo, Thailand: A case study using geospatial analysis

Ensuring the aging population can access health services is a major challenge for those living in the rural areas of Thailand. This study focuses on examining health care access in older adults aged 60 years and older in the Ban Phaeo, Samut Sakhon Province of Thailand. We used spatial analysis to examine roadway networks that connect Ban Phaeo to the health care system. Those that could access health care were in better physical health. Conversely, those who could not access health care had poorer health and more difficulties with activities of daily living. Geospatial modelling shows that access to health care was impacted by poor road connectivity and road conditions, which further exasperate health issues of rural older adults who are in poor health as they cannot receive timely care. This study shows the lack of transportation infrastructure impacts that marginalized groups the most. To improve connectivity from rural regions to health care facilities, a multi-disciplinary approach is needed to facilitate collaboration among multiple groups of stakeholders to improve transportation access for older adults living in the rural regions of the Ban Phaeo District of Thailand.