Impediments of health seeking behavior and health service utilization from healthcare facilities in a rural community in East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract

Background: There is a burgeoning literature on health seeking behaviors and the determinants of health services utilization especially in the context of under developed countries. Underutilization of the health services is also almost a universal phenomenon. Even by African standards, Ethiopia has one of the least health status indicators and the health service coverage is generally very low.

Objectives: To examine the socio-cultural and demographic deterrents of health seeking behavior and health service utilization in the rural community in East Gojjam Zone of Amhara Region.

Methods: This study employed both quantitative (household survey) and qualitative (FGDs, in-depth and key informant interviews) methods to collect relevant data. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze the quantitative data. The qualitative data was analyzed thematically and presented concurrently with quantitative data.

Findings: Individual level demand related factors and structural level supply related factors that were embedded in the healthcare institutions; cultural practices and religious orientations of the community were identified as impediments health service utilization. The easily accessible, acceptable, socially and culturally closer and less bureaucratic indigenous medicines have instead drawn attention to health service use as compared to healthcare institutions.

Conclusion: This study contends that health seeking behavior and health service utilization from healthcare institutions of rural communities is the product of the interaction of plethora agency and structural level factors. Addressing both agency and structural issues will have far-reaching implications in promoting the health seeking behavior of the rural communities. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2015;29(2):99-110]