anderson model

What does the Andersen Model explain?

Why people do or don’t use health care services, based on personal and environmental factors

What are contextual characteristics

Factors from the environment/community (e.g., health system, policies, neighborhood).
Example: Living in a rural area with few hospitals.

What are individual characteristics?

Factors about the person (e.g., age, income, beliefs).

Example: A person’s income or attitude toward doctors.

What are predisposing factors?

Traits that influence likelihood of using care before illness.
Examples: age, gender, beliefs

What are enabling factors?

Resources that make it possible (or not) to get care.
Examples: insurance, money, transportation

What are need factors?

Level of illness (real or perceived).
Examples: diagnosis, symptoms

What are health behaviors?

Actions related to health care use.
Examples: doctor visits, preventive care, exercise

What are outcomes?

Results of health care.
Examples: improved health, satisfaction

What are feedback loops?

Outcomes affect future behavior and access.

Example:
If care worked → more likely to go again
If bad experience → avoid care

Big Picture Flow

Characteristics → Resources → Need → Behavior → Outcomes → (loops back)