Utilization of health services and related factors in 0-5 year-old children living in Burhaniye-Balikesir

Introduction and Aim:

The objective of this paper was 1) to determine the related factors with having health problems within the fifteen days in 0-5 year-old children in Number-1 Health Center in Burhaniye of Balikesir; 2) to define health service utilization level and the factors related with this level

 Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2008. The sample size was calculated from 756 children by %50 prevalence, with confidence interval of 95% which led sample of 306 children. Stratified-randomized sampling method used. Dependent variables were having health problems within the fifteen days and health services utilization frequency within the last year. Family income, social class, health insurance, migration and the mothers’ perceived level of their children health status were independent variables. Logistic regression analysis was used. The number of contact with health care providers were grouped as lowest through seven and highest seven according to the cut-of-point at 60 percentiles.

 Results:

The percentage of children having health problems within the 15 days were 48,8. 18,4% of this group didn’t use any health services. The others used state hospitals (41,2%), health centers (39,2%) and the other facilities(19,6%). The mean number of contacts was 7,88±6,77. The risk indicator for having health problems was having unemployed/ marginal fathers, with an estimated odds ratio of 6,92 (2,46-19,41) or having blue-collar fathers 3,20 (1.44-7.11). Compared to uninsured group, people who have insurance for poor (OR:8,15; CI:2,14-31,05) or have any other insurance 5,77(OR:5,77;CI:2,03-16,39) were more likely to have eight or more contacts within last year.

 Conclusion:
This study revealed a significant social class gradient in having health problems. While evaluating health care utilization rate, social class and insurance must be taken in account and the mean of contact rates of these groups must be considered in health service planning.