Public attitudes toward access to public health services for non-citizens in Türkiye

Background

Public support for inclusive health systems is a key determinant of health equity, especially in countries hosting large refugee populations. In Türkiye, the sustainability of health services for non-citizens depends on public consensus regarding resource allocation. This study examines the socio-demographic and economic determinants of support for non-citizens’ access to public healthcare in Türkiye.

Methods

Data were drawn from the Turkish General Social Survey, a nationally representative survey of 2,615 individuals aged 18 and over. The dependent variable was agreement with the statement that non-citizens should have access to publicly funded health services. Logistic regression models were used to assess the effects of socio-demographic characteristics, urbanization, self-rated health, and income satisfaction on public attitudes.

Results

Overall, 40.7% of respondents agreed that non-citizens should have access to health services funded by the government. Logistic regression revealed that education was a strong predictor, individuals with secondary school (OR = 0.66, 95% CI:0.47-0.93, p = 0.020) and high school (OR = 0.50, 95% CI:0.31-0.79, p = 0.003) education were less likely to support inclusive access. Perceived income satisfaction was the strongest positive predictor; those satisfied with their income were 1.46 times more likely to support access (95% CI:1.12–1.92, p = 0.005). Urbanization, age, gender, and self-rated health did not influence attitudes (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Support for equitable healthcare access for non-citizens in Türkiye is primarily shaped by educational and income satisfaction rather than urbanization and individual health needs. These findings highlight the importance of addressing social and economic inequalities to strengthen public support for inclusive health systems.

Key messages

• Support for non-citizens’ access to public healthcare in Türkiye is driven more by socioeconomic factors than by urban–rural differences.

• Education and perceived income status play a central role in shaping inclusive attitudes toward health equity.