Determinants of Initial Utilization of Community Healthcare Services among Patients with Major Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases in South China

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116051
• Publication Date: 2014-12-29T18:57:23Z
• Authors: Huajie Yang; Xiang Huang; Zhiheng Zhou; Harry H. X. Wang; Xinyue Tong; Zhihong Wang; Jiaji Wang; Zuxun Lu
• Keywords: Non-communicable disease; Cross-sectional study

Background Although expected to act as gate-keeping primary care providers, community health service (CHS) facilities are severely under-utilized; Chinese people in both rural and urban areas used predominantly higher-tier for purpose, with significant financial outcome consequences. This study intends explore the determinants of initial utilization CHS among patients major non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) order understand care-seeking behavior residents South China. Methods A multi-stage cluster random sampling methodology was adopted create a sample 19,466 adults NCDs from 7,970 households 32,035 3,860 Guangdong, Interviews physical examinations were conducted 2010 collect data on patient characteristics, medical conditions, awareness healthcare. Descriptive analysis logistic regression performed patterns factors associated patterns. Results Prevalence significantly higher than that (12.55% vs. 8.70%; p<0.001). Second-tier district hospitals most preferred consultation (46.05% 45.32% areas; p<0.001), followed by tertiary general or specialized (28.39% 33.89% The proportion who had use relatively low (25.56% 20.79% Awareness self-care presence insurance leading first contact areas. Conclusion suggests not often south Much effect must be made enhance gatekeeper system improve coverage future healthcare reforms.