Factors affecting knowledge of National Health Insurance Policy among out-patients in Lao PDR: an exit interview study

Kongmany Chaleunvong, Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, Bouaphat Phonvixay, Vanpahnom Sychareun, Jo Durham, Dirk R Essink

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Universal health coverage is target 3.8 of the Sustainable Development Goals. In many lower-middle-income countries, however, major coverage gaps exist. Those who do receive services often experience high out-of-pocket expenses. To achieve universal health coverage, Lao PDR, a lower-middle-income country in South-East Asia, is shifting from a fragmented model of health financing to a national health insurance scheme.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this cross-sectional survey was to assess the knowledge of the NHI in Lao PDR among insured in- and out-patients using health services at selected public health facilities at provincial, district and health centre level in six provinces.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey. Healthcare facilities were selected based on the rate of use of health services at the health facility and participants selected using systematic random sampling. Exit interviews were conducted with in- and out-patients of each selected health facility, using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were generated including means (median), frequency and percentages. Poisson regression was applied to determine the factors associated with knowledge of the insurance scheme.

RESULTS: In total 326 participants were recruited (response rate 93%). Of these, less than two-thirds (62.3%) said they had their eligibility documents with them. Only 23.6% knew the co-payment fee at the health centre level; while 18.1% and 18.7% knew about the co-payment fee at the district and provincial healthcare level, respectively. A key determinant of accessing NHI and health services was knowledge of the scheme and its benefits.

CONCLUSION: This study suggests in Lao PDR, awareness about health insurance is low. More innovative demand-side strategies are needed to create awareness and understanding of the NHI and its benefits. Without an understanding of what insurance policies mean, universal health coverage cannot be achieved, even where appropriate and acceptable services are accessible.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1791414
Pages (from-to)1-6
Number of pages6
JournalGlobal Health Action
Volume13
Issue numbersup2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2020

Bibliographical note

Issue sup2: LEARN: Sexual Reproductive Health, ANC and Nutrition

Funding

This study was funded by the EU funded LEARN program coordinated by the MCNV-Laos; Swiss Red Cross Japan International Cooperation Agency Lux-Dev the Worldbank. Sincere appreciation goes to the LEARN project, supported by MCNV, and supported financially through the EU. The authors of this study would like to acknowledge the contribution of all participants who volunteered their time and knowledge. Sincere appreciation goes to the LEARN project, supported by MCNV, and supported financially through the EU. The authors of this study would like to acknowledge the contribution of all participants who volunteered their time and knowledge.

FundersFunder number
MCNV
European Commission
Japan International Cooperation Agency

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