This mixed-methods study by Caitlin Koob, Kinsey Meggett, Michelle Parisi, and Sarah F. Griffin examines rural and non-rural differences in pediatric primary care patterns among Medicaid-insured children in South Carolina. Using claims data from 22,084 children (2018–2022) with weight-related diagnoses, the study applies logistic regression to assess factors associated with traveling for care, supplemented by qualitative interviews with 12 families to explore healthcare access experiences.
Findings reveal that 40.54% of children were overweight or obese. Children residing in rural areas, younger patients, non-Hispanic white children, and those with healthier weight status were more likely to travel for primary care services. Rurality significantly influenced relationships between travel behavior, race/ethnicity, and weight status. Qualitative results indicate that families in rural communities often perceive lower healthcare quality and express limited trust in local providers, prompting them to seek care outside their communities.
The study concludes that disparities in pediatric primary care access and utilization are shaped by both structural and perceptual factors in rural settings, highlighting the need for targeted public health strategies to improve healthcare quality, accessibility, and trust among rural populations.