# A Mixed-Method Study of the Utilization and Determinants of Private Health Insurance Schemes in the Residents of Rural Communities in Central India: A Study Protocol

## TL;DR

This study explores how and why people in rural Central India use private health insurance, aiming to improve healthcare access in these areas.

## Contribution

The study introduces a mixed-method approach to examine private health insurance utilization in rural Central India, a previously understudied region.

## Key findings

- Barriers and facilitators to private health insurance uptake will be identified.
- Findings will inform targeted interventions to improve healthcare access in rural areas.
- The study will contribute to existing literature on health insurance in India.

## Abstract

Background

Private health insurance plays a critical role in healthcare financing, yet its utilization and determinants in rural settings still need to be studied, particularly in Central India. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the utilization and determinants of private health insurance schemes among residents of rural communities in Central India.

Materials and methods

A convergent parallel mixed-method study design, consisting of quantitative and qualitative approaches, will be employed. Quantitative data will be collected through structured questionnaires administered to residents aged 18 and above within the field practice area of a tertiary medical college hospital. Qualitative data will be gathered through in-depth interviews with key stakeholders. Statistical analysis will include descriptive and inferential statistics, while thematic analysis will be employed for qualitative data (CTRI Number CTRI/2024/06/069155).

Conclusion

The findings of this study will provide valuable insights into the utilization and determinants of private health insurance schemes in rural communities of Central India. By identifying barriers and facilitators to insurance uptake, policymakers and healthcare providers can develop targeted interventions to improve healthcare access and affordability in rural areas. In addition, the study will contribute to the existing literature on private health insurance utilization in India, informing future research endeavors and policy initiatives.