Situation of curative care services and related factors in Ward Health Stations in Ngo Quyen District, Hai Phong City, in 2013

Abstract

Commune/Ward Health Station (CHS) has an important role in the primary health care system. It is the frontline medical unit of health care system providing medical services to the people. The study on "situation of curative care services and related factors in Ward Health Stations in Ngo Quyen District, Hai Phong City, in 2013" was conducted with two objectives: a / To describe the situation of curative care services at CHSs in Ngo Quyen District, Hai Phong City, in 2013; b / To identify associated factors with the use of curative care services by sick people at CHSs in Ngo Quyen District, Hai Phong City, in 2013.This descriptive, cross-sectional study, combining quantitative and qualitative methods, was conducted from February to June 2013. Quantitative data was collected through a survey of 331 households (1,188 inhabitants), and 13 CHSs (manpower, equipment, medical services, and medicines) in Ngo Quyen District. Qualitative data was collected through 9 in-depth interviews with Leaders of CHSs, People's Committee, Director of District Health Center, and two focus group discussions conducted with 12 people. The study results showed that CHSs have neither provided a full range of medical care services nor met specified criteria of Ministry of Health for infrastructure, equipment, essential drugs, and personnel. The proportion of households having sick people during 2 weeks prior to the survey was 59.8% with 18.4% of surveyed people having sickness. Only 12.3% of sick people used curative care at CHSs. The main reasons for using curative care services at CHSs include good attitude for provision of services, less waiting time, and convenient transport. People with lower educational levels, having health insurance cards were more likely to use curative care services at CHSs. Some recommendations have been given to improve utilization of curative care services at CHSs such as enhancing information and communications about the service availability at CHCs, upgrading infrastructure; supplementing equipment and essential drugs, and training/retraining for health staff in CHSs.