scholarly journals Effect of the COVID-19 on perceptions of health, anticipated need for health services, and cost of healthcare

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-28
Author(s):  
Natalia Rekhter ◽  
Natalia Ermasova
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Financial Barriers ◽  
Health Concerns ◽  
Anova Test ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Early Stages ◽  
Care Seeking Behavior ◽  
Related Stress

Abstract Objective: This article investigates how perceived vulnerability to the COVID-19 pandemic at its early stages is associated with people’s perception of their health, the need for healthcare services, and expenses related to addressing the COVID-19 impact on their health. Methods: The results are based on the analysis of surveys that were distributed among members of 26 random Facebook groups in April-May, 2020. Perceived COVID-19 pandemic related stress and health concerns were examined by using the ANOVA test. Results: Among 315 respondents, 64% have experienced COVID-19 related stress and identified anxiety, headache, insomnia, and weight gain as their primary health concerns. The ANOVA test revealed that females are more impacted by the COVID-19 stress than males. Around 40% of respondents believed that the COVID-19 would lead to an increase in the cost of health services, and 20% of respondents anticipated that the COVID-19 pandemic would increase their need for health services. Conclusions: Learning about how people perceive the COVID-19 pandemic impact on their health, particularly in the pandemic’s early stages can allow health professionals to develop targeted interventions that can influence pandemic preventative behaviors among different population groups. This study can help understand utilization patterns and mitigate financial barriers that could interfere with patients’ care-seeking behavior.

scholarly journals Health care seeking behavior for common childhood morbidities in Ethiopia: The effects of maternal behavior and access to key health services

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nigatu R Geda ◽  
Cindy Xin Feng ◽  
Susan J Whiting ◽  
Rein Lepnurm ◽  
Carol J Henry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Maternal Behavior ◽  
Health Care Seeking ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Care Seeking Behavior ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Health Care Seeking Behavior

Abstract The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.

scholarly journals Financial Barriers to Access to Health Services for Adult People with Disability in Iran: The Challenges for Universal Health Coverage

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahin SOLTANI ◽  
Amirhossein TAKIAN ◽  
Ali AKBARI SARI ◽  
Reza MAJDZADEH ◽  
Mohammad KAMALI
Keyword(s):  
Health Insurance ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Financial Barriers ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
People With Disability ◽  
Universal Health

Background: Reducing inequities in access to healthcare is one of the most important goals for all health systems. Financial barriers play a fundamental role here. People with disability (PWD) experience further financial barriers in access to their needed healthcare services. This study aimed to explore the causes of barriers in access to health services for PWD in Tehran, Iran. Methods: In this qualitative study, we used semi-structured in-depth interviews to collect data and selected participants through purposeful sampling with maximum variation. We conducted 56 individual interviews with people with disability, healthcare providers and policymakers from Sep 2015 until May 2016, at different locations in Tehran, Iran. Results: We identified four categories and eight subcategories of financial barriers affecting access to healthcare services among PWD. Four categories were related to health insurance (i.e. lack of insurance coverage for services like dentistry, occupational therapy and speech therapy), affordability (low income for PWD and their family), financial supports (e.g. low levels of pensions for people with disabilities) and transportation costs (high cost of transportation to reach healthcare facilities for PWD). Conclusion: Financial problems can lead to poor access to health care services. To achieve universal health coverage, government should reduce health insurance barriers and increase job opportunities and sufficient financial support for PWD. 

Health equity funds as the pathway to universal coverage in Cambodia: care seeking and financial risk protection

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theepakorn Jithitikulchai ◽  
Isabelle Feldhaus ◽  
Sebastian Bauhoff ◽  
Somil Nagpal
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Health System ◽  
Health Equity ◽  
Universal Coverage ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Financial Risk Protection ◽  
Access To Health

Abstract Cambodia has developed the health equity fund (HEF) system to improve access to health services for the poor, and this strengthens the health system towards the universal health coverage goal. Given rising healthcare costs, Cambodia has introduced several innovations and accomplished considerable progress in improving access to health services and catastrophic health expenditures for the targeted population groups. Though this is improving in recent years, HEF households remain at the higher risk of catastrophic spending as measured by the higher share of HEF households with catastrophic health expenses being at 6.9% compared to the non-HEF households of 5.5% in 2017. Poverty targeting poses another challenge for the health system. Nevertheless, HEF appeared to be more significantly associated with decreased out-of-pocket expenditure per illness among those who sought care from public providers. Increasing population and cost coverages of the HEF and effectively attracting beneficiaries to the public sector will further enhance the financial protection and pave the pathway towards universal coverage. Our recommendations focus on leveraging the HEF experience for expanding coverage and increasing equitable access, as well as strengthening the quality of healthcare services.

Health Care–Seeking Behavior of Children With Acute Respiratory Infections Symptoms: Analysis of the 2012 and 2017 Indonesia Demographic and Health Surveys

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 310-319
Author(s):  
Christiana Rialine Titaley ◽  
Bertha J. Que ◽  
Filda V. I. de Lima ◽  
Ony W. Angkejaya ◽  
Felmi V. I. de Lima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Demographic And Health Surveys ◽  
Acute Respiratory Infections ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Care Seeking Behavior ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Promotion Strategies ◽  
Health Care Seeking Behavior ◽  
Antenatal Visits

Our study examined factors associated with the utilization of health services in children younger than 5 years with acute respiratory infections (ARIs) symptoms in Indonesia. Data were derived from the 2012 and 2017 Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey. Information from 1408 children younger than 5 years showing ARI symptoms in the past 2 weeks before the survey was analyzed using logistic regression analyses. Around 25% of children younger than 5 years with ARI symptoms did not receive medical care. The odds of receiving care increased in mothers from rich households. The odds reduced in children aged 2 or more years; children of mothers not assisted by trained delivery attendants; mothers attending none or <4 antenatal visits; mothers delivering at home, and mothers reporting that permission to visit health services was a problem. Efforts to improve care-seeking behavior are required. Health promotion strategies and interventions to improve access to reach community not regularly exposed to health services are important.

scholarly journals Health Needs and Care Seeking Behavior of Internally Displaced Persons Living in Jalozai Camp (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan)

2019 ◽  
Vol IV (II) ◽  
pp. 317-326
Author(s):  
Mohammad Imran Marwat ◽  
Katrina A. Ronis ◽  
Noor Sanauddin
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Internally Displaced ◽  
Poor Access ◽  
Care Seeking Behavior ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Access To Water ◽  
Household Heads

Since 2009, an estimated 3 million people were displaced in Pakistan of which 10% took refuge in “camps”. To ascertain their health needs and care-seeking behavior an exploratory crosssectional survey was undertaken from November 2017 to April 2018 in Jalozai camp by interviewing 318 household heads and 318 married females using systematic and convenient sampling techniques respectively. Study findings revealed that 91% of the IDPs received some assistance for shelter, food, water, sanitation and basic health services while 37% of respondents had difficulties in fulfilling their family food demands, 38% had poor access to water. The prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases in the camp was 29% and 23% respectively. Demand for basic public health needs and health services was high and required active and coordinated interventions by both the public and private sectors. The study recommends a national health framework for IDPs.

scholarly journals Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of skilled assistance seeking for maternal healthcare services and associated factors among Women in West shoa zone, Oromia, Region, Ethiopia, 2017

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eden Girmaye Tefera ◽  
Fikadu Wondimu Abdisa ◽  
Maru Mossisa Erena
Keyword(s):  
Maternal Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
P Value ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Maternal Healthcare ◽  
Attitude And Practice ◽  
Skilled Assistance ◽  
Knowledge Attitude And Practice

Abstract Background: Access to skilled health services during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum is crucial element which promotes the health and wellbeing of the mother and new born. The aim of the study was to assess women’s knowledge, attitude and practice of skilled assistance seeking for maternal healthcare services in West Shoa zone. Methods: A community based cross sectional quantitative design was conducted in West Shoa zone, Oromia, Ethiopia in 2017. A multistage, random sampling technique was used to select women who had birth in the past one year preceding the study. Interviewed administered structured questionnaire were used to collect the data. A total of 654 women were involved in this study. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20 statistical software package. Pre-tested and structured questionnaires were used to collect the data by trained data collectors. Logistic regression model was used to control the confounding variables at p-value< 0.05. Results: Out of 654 respondents, 416 (63.6%) delivered at health facilities and 268 (36.4%) at home. Skilled assistance seeking for maternal health services was significantly associated with mother’s education (AOR=3.0, 95%CI=1.18-7.84), mother’s access to maternal health information (AOR=3.1, 95% CI=1.13-8.41). Women’s awareness was significantly associated with antenatal‐care attendance (AOR 1.9) and institutional delivery (AOR 3.1). Women who had experience obstetric problems were twice seek skilled provider than those who had not had complications (AOR=2.3, 95%CI=1.39-3.75. P-value=0.001). Women who experiences complications seek a skilled postnatal care more likely compared with those who did not have such characters (AOR=2.2, 95%CI=1.35-3.66. P-value=0.002). Conclusion: The study revealed that low practice of sought care from skilled providers. Hence, it is highly recommended to improve the socioeconomic factors such as maternal literacy, availability of transport facility in case of emergency referral and service availability may increase care seeking from health facilities. Keywords: Skilled assistance, Seeking and Maternal healthcare services.

Utilization Of Healthcare Services To General Patient At Inpatient Unit of Anutapura General Hospital, Palu City

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-44
Author(s):  
Fausiah Fausiah
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
General Hospital ◽  
Health Beliefs ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Utilization Of Health Services ◽  
The People ◽  
Quantitative Descriptive ◽  
Utilization Of Healthcare

The number of inpatient visits in RSU Anutapura Palu, where in 2015 inpatient visits of 5,640, then in 2016 patient visits decreased to 5,451, in 2017 also decreased to 3,999 and in 2018 also decreased Drastic to 1,146 patient visits. This research aims to determine the utilization of health services in patients in general hospitalization in RSU Anutapura Palu. This type of research is quantitative descriptive. Research was conducted from May-June 2019. The population in the study is a visitor (number of hospitalizations) at the General Hospital (RSU) Anutapura Palu. In this case the people who use health services in the General Hospital (RSU) Anutapura Palu recorded as many as 1,146 visitors (patients) in the year 2018. Primary data collection is through questionnaires and secondary data through the study of patient record documents and other supporting documents. The utilization of health services in patients in general hospitalization in RSU Anutapura Palu is well from the aspects of health beliefs, abilities and needs. RSU Anutapura Palu is expected to be able to improve the promotion of health services so that people use the health services provided.  

scholarly journals Perceptions and Care Seeking Behavior of Obstetric Complication in Thailand

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
SK Sharma ◽  
P Vong-Ek
Keyword(s):  
Maternal Health ◽  
Health Personnel ◽  
Hard Work ◽  
Obstetric Complication ◽  
Traditional Practices ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Appropriate Care ◽  
Care Seeking Behavior ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Poor Nutrition

Background Importance of maternal health has been recognized over the last decade, however information about the perception of illness and healthcare behavior of obstetric complication is lacking. Objective This study assesses women’s knowledge, perception, and experience of obstetric complication and care-seeking behavior and explores the factors associated with the morbidity and the constraints hindering them from seeking timely care. Methods Twenty one in-depth interviews on the perceptions, experience and care seeking behavior related to pregnancy and delivery of Women at Kanchanaburi Demographic Surveillance site of Thailand were conducted. A structured guideline was first prepared in English and translated into Thai language. An interpreter was hired to interview women at the Thai-Myanmar border to translate Thai into local language. A moderator note-taker, and interpreter were present throughout the interview period and tape recorded the conversation. Results In-depth interview revealed that even though quality maternal health care was accessible to most of the women, obstetric complication was prevalent and they were not seeking appropriate care specifically in highland. Too early and too late marriage, frequent child bearing, poverty, hard work, poor nutrition and traditional practices were the reasons for complications. Poor transportation, lack of health insurance, inadequate training of health personnel, poor health facilities and the perception that the complications are normal for pregnant women were the main reasons for not seeking appropriate care. Conclusions Perceived reasons for complications among women living in Kanchanaburi, Thailand were early marriage, frequent childbearing, hard work, poor nutrition and traditional practices. The constraints hindering them from seeking care for the complications were perceived to be the lack of access to health personnel, health facilities, and proper transportation. These issues seemed to be related to poverty. Kathmandu University Medical Journal | Vol.10 | No. 2 | Issue 38 | Apr – June 2012 | Page 63-70 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v10i2.7347

scholarly journals Building trust and enhancing localization to improve access to women’s health services in Afghanistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
F R Rab ◽  
S S Stranges ◽  
A D Thind ◽  
S S Sohani
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Vulnerable Populations ◽  
Time Trend ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Delivery Of Healthcare ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Women And Children ◽  
Delivery Of Health Services

Abstract Background Over 34 million people in Afghanistan have suffered from death and devastation for the last four decades as a result of conflict. Women and children have borne the brunt of this devastation. Afghanistan has some of the poorest health indicators in the world for women and children. In the midst of armed conflict, providing essential healthcare in remote regions in the throws of conflict remains a challenge, which is being addressed the Mobile Health Teams through Afghan Red Crescent (ARCS). To overcome socio-cultural barriers, ARCS MHTs have used local knowledge to hire female staff as part of the MHTs along with their male relatives as part of MHT staff. The present study was conducted to explore the impact of engaging female health workers as part of MHTs in conflict zones within Afghanistan on access, availability and utilization of maternal and child health care. Methods Quantitative descriptive and time-trend analysis were used to evaluate impact of introduction of female health workers. Qualitative data is being analyzed to assess the possibilities and implications of engaging female health workers in the delivery of health services. Results Preliminary results show a 96% increase in uptake of services for expectant mothers over the last four years. Average of 18 thousand services provided each month by MHTs, 70% for women and children. Service delivery for women and children significantly increased over time (p &lt; 0.05) after inclusion of female health workers in MHTs. Delivery of maternity care services showed a more significant increase (p &lt; 0.001). Time trend and qualitative analyses is ongoing. Conclusions Introduction of female health workers significantly improved uptake of health care services for women and children especially in extremely isolated areas controlled by armed groups in Afghanistan. Engaging with local stakeholders is essential for delivery of health services for vulnerable populations in fragile settings like Afghanistan. Key messages Understanding cultural norms results in socially acceptable solutions to barriers in delivery of healthcare services and leads to improvements in access for women and children in fragile settings. Building local partnerships and capacities and using local resources result in safe, efficient and sustainable delivery of healthcare services for vulnerable populations in fragile settings.

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