Table 1 Variables selected in the models
Variables | Explanation |
|---|---|
Measures of Needs | |
Ophthalmologist density | Number of ophthalmologists per 1000 population |
Density of physicians other than ophthalmologistse | Number of physicians other than ophthalmologists per 1000 population |
Density of physicians other than ophthalmologists and residents f | Number of physicians other than ophthalmologists and residents per 1000 population Number of residents were not available prior to 2004 |
Measures of Community Factors | |
Urban/rural status 1) urban centers 2) suburban areas 3) rural areas | Metropolitan area code defined by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications |
Per capita income | |
Percent of the population with a university-level education | As a proxy for educational level in the community |
Unemployment rate | Number of unemployed individuals per number of all individuals currently in the labor force (workforce) |
Percent of white-collar workers | Number of professionals, technical workers, managers, and administrators per number of workforce |
Primary school students per number of primary schools | As a proxy for children’s’ educational opportunities |
Crime rate | Number of crimes per total population as a proxy for neighborhood safety |
Temperature | As a proxy for climate discomfort. The discomfort index was calculated by using temperature and humidity and used in the model. |
Humidity | |
Measures of Professional interactions | |
Hospital beds per 1000 population | |
The presence or absence of medical schools | As a proxy for continuing education |