КОСВЕНИТЕ ЕФЕКТИ НА ПАНДЕМИЯТА ОТ COVID-19 – ОТЛАГАНЕ НА ЗДРАВНИ УСЛУГИ И ПОСЛЕДСТВИЯТА ЗА ЗДРАВНАТА СИСТЕМА
INDIRECT EFFECTS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC - POSTPONED HEALTH CARE AND CONSEQUENCES FOR THE HEALTH SYSTEM

Summary/Abstract: Objectives: The indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic could be far more significant than the directly associated with the prevalence of coronavirus disease. These effects are related to the consequences for chronic non-communicable diseases, higher burden of diseases on individuals and the society, and the capacity of health systems to meet the growing health needs. The aim of the study is to analyse the causes and determinants of delaying health care in Bulgaria. In particular, the share of the citizens who postponed or avoided care, the reasons for these decisions, and the patients’ characteristics have been studied. Methods: A national online survey was conducted in November 2021. A total of 800 adult citizens had completed the questionnaire and were included in the analysis. Results: A total of 36.0% reported postponing care in the last 12 months; 35.5% forwent treatment or diagnostics in outpatient care, and 6.8% of the respondents avoided hospital admission. Fear and concerns about coronavirus infection are among the reasons for postponed outpatient care and a leading cause for deferred hospitalization. The likelihood of delaying care is associated with health status, chronic non-communicable diseases and the educational level. Women are more likely to forgone care. Conclusion: Denial and postponement of health services have severe consequences for the health status and patients with chronic diseases in particular. More efforts are needed to overcome these adverse effects in the future.

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