Impact of Urban Community Health Resource Allocation on Chronic Disease Management Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults and Planning Responses: Evidence from a Threshold Model

Chronic non-communicable diseases have become a significant threat to the health of middle-aged and older adults in urban areas. The allocation of health resources in urban communities is associated with the prevalence of chronic diseases. This study conducts an empirical analysis using threshold regression methods based on data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). It explores the nonlinear impact of community health resource allocation on chronic disease management among middle-aged and older adults across different age groups. The goal is to allocate health resources scientifically based on the health and activity needs of specific age groups. The results reveal staged differences across distinct age intervals. Specifically, the allocation of community health resources has a negative impact on the management of chronic diseases of respondents under 58 years old, an insignificant impact for those aged between 58 and 73 years, and a significant positive impact for those aged above 73 years old. The threshold effect of age is closely related to the health resource preference and activity pattern of different age groups. The alignment between health resource supply and demand within these groups determines their effectiveness in improving health outcomes. These findings could help optimize the spatial allocation of health resources, enhance planning standards, and address existing disparities across communities, thereby providing an evidence-based solution for urban planning decisions.