Factors Attracting Physicians to Communities in Japan
Author Information
Author(s): Matsumoto Masatoshi, Inoue Kazuo, Noguchi Satomi, Toyokawa Satoshi, Kajii Eiji
Primary Institution: Jichi Medical University
Hypothesis
This study seeks to identify community characteristics that correlate with the physician population in Japan.
Conclusion
Daytime population and service industry population are better indicators of community attractiveness to physicians than just population size.
Supporting Evidence
- The service industry workers-to-population ratio showed the strongest correlation with the physician-to-population ratio.
- Multiple regression analysis indicated that service industry worker-to-population ratio and daytime population density were independently correlated with the physician-to-population ratio.
- The Gini index showed higher equity of physician distribution against service industry population compared to general population.
Takeaway
Communities with more service industry workers and higher daytime populations are better at attracting doctors than just having a lot of people living there.
Methodology
The study analyzed demographic and economic variables across Japan's 3132 municipalities to find correlations with the physician-to-population ratio.
Limitations
The study assumes that municipality boundaries accurately represent community medical demand, which may not always hold true.
Participant Demographics
The study included all municipalities in Japan, totaling 3132.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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