Theoretically Universal, Practically Unequal: Socio-Economic Inequalities in Healthcare Access for Long Covid-19 Patients in Austria.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Long Covid-19 (LC) patients have substantial treatment and care needs, yet research has shown that the majority of them experience healthcare access barriers. While qualitative studies indicate socio-economic and demographic access inequalities among LC patients, quantitative evidence remains limited. This study aims to assess socio-economic inequalities in healthcare access among LC patients in Austria, focusing on self-perceived barriers, facilitators and unmet healthcare needs.

Methods

Retrospective cross-sectional data were collected from adult LC patients through online and paper-based surveys (10-12/2024), following a prior qualitative study. The survey assessed 47 barriers and 10 facilitators based on Levesque's 'access to care' framework, along with unmet

SUBMITTER: Gamillscheg-Mullner P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12780864 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature