FACTORS AFFECTING THE UTILIZATION OF HEALTHCARE SERVICES AT THE UPTD PASAR MATANGGOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, NORTH PADANG LAWAS REGENCY

Abstract

The utilization of healthcare services is an important indicator of public health development. Low utilization of healthcare services may be influenced by various factors originating from both individuals and the healthcare service environment. This study aimed to analyze the factors influencing the utilization of healthcare services at the UPTD Pasar Matanggor Community Health Center, North Padang Lawas Regency. This study employed an analytical survey design with a cross-sectional approach. The study population consisted of all heads of households in the working area of the UPTD Pasar Matanggor Community Health Center, totaling 14,550 households, with a sample of 99 households selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected through interviews using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses with multiple logistic regression. The results showed that beliefs regarding healthcare services (p=0.001), accessibility of healthcare services (p=0.001), and perceptions of illness (p=0.003) significantly influenced the utilization of healthcare services. Meanwhile, income (p=0.086) and health insurance membership (p=0.532) did not significantly influence healthcare service utilization. Although the role of healthcare workers showed a statistical association with healthcare service utilization (p=0.012), it was not identified as an independent significant factor in the final multivariate model. The most dominant factor influencing healthcare service utilization was accessibility to healthcare services. The findings indicate that beliefs regarding healthcare services, accessibility, and perceptions of illness are important factors influencing healthcare service utilization at the UPTD Pasar Matanggor Community Health Center, North Padang Lawas Regency, with accessibility being the most dominant factor. It is recommended that the community health center improve the accessibility and convenience of healthcare services and conduct continuous health promotion activities to increase healthcare service utilization among the community.