Hospital Choice: Survey Evidence from Istanbul

This study analyzes patient characteristics that affect the choice between public and private healthcare providers in Istanbul. In addition to socioeconomic variables often considered, this study focuses on another factor that might determine the ease of access to hospital services in developing countries: the availability of social networks. The analysis is based on data from a household survey conducted in Istanbul. The econometric results provide some evidence that potential social ties play an important role in choosing public healthcare centers over private ones for minor health problems. This finding indicates that households with higher-level social networks might be using them in easing access to public facilities.