This study aims to analyze the effects of age, period, and cohort on the utilization of Traditional Korean Medicine(TKM) ambulatory services, using Korea Health Panel(KHP) data from 2010 to 2021. Age-Period-Cohort(APC) analysis is a method that consid...
This study aims to analyze the effects of age, period, and cohort on the utilization of Traditional Korean Medicine(TKM) ambulatory services, using Korea Health Panel(KHP) data from 2010 to 2021. Age-Period-Cohort(APC) analysis is a method that considers individual aging processes (age effects), temporal changes (period effects), and intergenerational differences (cohort effects).
A hierarchical age-period-cohort analysis (HAPC-CCREM) was conducted to assess utilization probability, frequency of use, and expenditure, incorporating a Two-Part Model for statistical estimation. Model suitability was evaluated, and potential confounding factors influencing medical service utilization were controlled using the Andersen model.
The analysis results revealed that age, period, and cohort effects all significantly impacted TKM utilization. An increase in age was identified as a factor that raised the likelihood and frequency of service utilization but reduced expenditure. This pattern suggests that while the prevalence of diseases increases with age, leading to higher healthcare utilization, policies such as fixed-rate systems for older adults contribute to a reduction in overall expenditure.
Regarding period effects, utilization probability has shown an overall increase since 2017, but it had little impact on utilization frequency, while expenditure patterns exhibited mixed trends across different years. These variations may be attributed to a complex interplay of factors, including enhanced accessibility, institutional reforms, Covid-19 and evolving healthcare utilization behaviors.
Cohort effects showed higher utilization probabilities among pre-1940 birth cohorts and the industrialization generation, followed by a decline among the baby boomer generation, before a slight increase in Generation X. The high cohort effect in older generations reflects their familiarity with traditional medicine during their formative years, whereas the decline in the baby boomer generation may be attributed to healthy aging, healthcare system reforms, and the widespread adoption of Western medicine. The resurgence in Generation X may be linked to advancements in digital technology, improved access to health information, and media influence.
This study is the first to analyze the APC effects on TKM utilization, demonstrating that TKM utilization is not merely an individual choice but rather a phenomenon influenced by social, cultural, and policy-related factors across different age groups, periods, and cohorts. These findings emphasize the need for TKM policies that consider the unique characteristics and healthcare demands of different generations, emphasizing the importance of designing targeted policies that reflect evolving utilization patterns.