Association Between the Average Number of In-Network Hospitals and Medical Counseling for Cognitive Impairment in South Korea

Abstract

Objectives: Mild cognitive impairment, a pressing concern in the face of a rapidly growing global older adult population, necessitates effective management strategies focused on sustained symptom relief and preventing deterioration. Community Dementia Care Centers, in partnership with in-network hospitals, aim to provide support for preventing mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Medical counseling, influenced by in-network hospitals, is crucial for tailoring interventions to the cognitive abilities and specific needs of each older adult, protecting against dementia. Disparities in the number of in-network hospitals and healthcare infrastructure can contribute to uneven access to dementia care, thereby creating health inequities. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting and Participants: Using data from the Korea Community Health Survey (2018–2019), this study focused on South Korean individuals aged 60 and older in 17 metropolitan areas and provinces. Methods: A multiple regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between the average number of in-network hospitals and medical counseling experience, considering sociodemographic factors and related variables. Results: Areas with a higher average number of in-network hospitals exhibited increased medical counseling experiences. Significantly higher odds for medical counseling experience were observed in regions with “more than 5 hospitals” (1.36; 95% CI, 1.20–1.54; P = .000) than those with “3 or fewer hospitals.” Conclusions and Implications: This study underscores the importance of infrastructure, particularly collaborative hospitals that support Community Dementia Care Centers, in influencing individual dementia management and prevention. These findings highlight the significance of dementia prevention and management infrastructures, emphasizing the need for practical assistance, particularly in regions crucial for achieving health equity.