Assessment of factors affecting health care utilization in rural area of Patna

Abstract

Background: Population is increasing rapidly so with the limited resources government alone cannot cater the health of whole population. Private health sector is equally important for the improvement of health of the people. In view of these facts, the present study was planned to assess the utilization of health care services and to assess the reasons for visiting that particular health facility. Methods: The present study was cross sectional in nature conducted upon 516 persons residing in rural area by multistage stratified random sampling. Data was analyzed by SPSS software version 20.0. Results: 64% respondents visited public, 22% private and 10% visited others. 79% respondents belonging to lower socio economic status preferred public health care facility. The main reason for visiting public health facility was free services and for private was got cure earlier from that heath facility. Conclusions: Both public and private health care facilities should be made well equipped and affordable so that people can make choices and not forced to choose particular health facility.