Geospatial analysis of healthcare and older adult care institutions in Wuhan: a multimethod approach to assessing spatial equity

作者：Bo Li, JingYi Long, Yi Li · 发表于：Frontiers in Public Health · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.3389/fpubh.2025.1580630 · 被引用次数：7 · 研究领域：Urban Transport and Accessibility、Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving、Migration, Aging, and Tourism Studies

Background: Achieving spatial equity in healthcare and older adult care services is critical for ensuring fair and effective service access among aging populations. In rapidly urbanizing cities like Wuhan, the spatial distribution of facilities directly influences accessibility and integration outcomes. While existing research has primarily focused on service demand, the spatial distribution of medical and older adult care institutions which is a key factor for achieving effective integration remains underexplored. Method: The current study classifies medical and older adult care institutions into four categories and employs multiple spatial analysis methods such as Ripley's K-function (K), the geographical concentration index (G), the imbalance index (S), and kernel density analysis using Geographic Information System (GIS) to examine their spatial distribution in Wuhan. The spatial characteristics, distribution patterns, and interrelationships among these institutions are examined in the context of Wuhan, China. These spatial analysis methods are employed to assess disparities in the geographic distribution of institutions, highlighting spatial inequity between urban and peripheral areas. Results: values surpassing this threshold for all four categories, indicates a pronounced spatial concentration.(3) The imbalance index (S > 0) indicates considerable disparities in the spatial distribution of resources across all categories.(4) Kernel density analysis identifies a strong ...