Factors influencing healthcare utilization in Nakasongola District,Uganda

Abstract

Background : The study investigates healthcare utilization in Nakasongola District, Uganda. It is a rural area in the central region with its own healthcare challenges which include limited infrastructure, financial constraints, low health literacy, cultural beliefs, and gender dynamics. The research uses quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to identify barriers to healthcare use, aiming to inform interventions and policies for improved healthcare access.

Methods: Cross-sectional study with mixed methods i.e surveys and interviews to understand health-care seeking behavior. The target population used healthcare in the past six months and approximately 100 participants sampled. Data analysis used statistical tests like Chi-square and logistic regression. Results: The study's demographic profile showed even gender distribution, mostly unmarried and educated beyond secondary level individuals. Health Knowledge was moderate for most and family and friends were primary health information sources. Trust in health care workers varied and most participants lived in the urban areas considering healthcare services available. Logistic regression found no significant impact of age, education, household size, trust, residence or income on health utilization. Conclusion: Marital status and healthcare service availability seem significant in health care utilization in Nakasongola District. Single individuals exhibited lower utilization rates suggesting a need to target this demographic for behavior improvement. The importance of healthcare infrastructure and accessibility is underscored and other factors like age, education, household size, trust and residence had less pronounced impacts.