In this study, we compare self-perceived unmet need across Canadian provinces
and assess how the reasons for unmet need – problems with availability, accessibil-
ity and acceptability – vary. This cross-sectional study uses data from the Canadian
Community Health survey (2.1) conducted in 2003. Overall, 11.7% perceived hav-
ing had unmet healthcare needs in the previous 12 months. The adjusted provincial
rates varied from 13.3% in manitoba to 7.8% in Prince Edward Island. Among those
reporting unmet health service needs, the leading reason was problems of availability
of services (54.9%), followed by acceptability (42.8%) and accessibility related to cost
or transportation (12.7%). unmet need due to problems of availability was most likely
in quebec, Newfoundland and manitoba, while Alberta and British Columbia had
the highest likelihood of unmet need due to accessibility problems. Those in British
Columbia, saskatchewan and manitoba were more likely to report problems of
acceptability. The reasons for unmet need vary across provinces, with each reason hav-
ing different policy implications.