A comparative spatial analysis on the healthcare between taiwan and czech republic based on different cultural habits

Abstract

This study aims to explore the complex interplay between cultural influences and healthcare systems by conducting a comparative analysis of Taiwan and the Czech Republic. Focusing on the intersection between sociocultural values and public health structures, the research investigates three key dimensions: healthcare accessibility, cultural approaches to health and wellness, and dominant dietary habits. To assess spatial aspects of healthcare access, the study employs open-source data in combination with geospatial analysis tools, including QGIS, GEODA, and SuperGIS. These tools are used to evaluate and compare hospital accessibility within the capital cities of Taipei and Prague, with particular attention to variations in travel time, distribution of medical facilities, and urban population density. Beyond spatial considerations, the study examines how differing cultural orientations—specifically collectivist tendencies in Taiwan and more individualist patterns in the Czech Republic-shape public attitudes toward health prevention programs, medical decision-making, and everyday healthcare practices. This includes an analysis of culturally influenced behaviors such as the perceived obligation to visit family members during illness, trust in traditional versus modern medical systems, and participation in community-based health initiatives. Additionally, the research considers how dietary customs rooted in cultural history influence long-term health outcomes and lifestyle-related diseases in both regions. By integrating spatial, cultural, and behavioral perspectives, the study provides a nuanced understanding of how culture and healthcare systems interact to produce distinct public health experiences in Taiwan and the Czech Republic.