A Study on factors associated with Utilization of Healthcare Services for common Childhood Illnesses among Mothers of Under-Five Children in the Urban Field Practice Area of RajaRajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Bengaluru

Ramya K S, Shashikala M

Abstract


Introduction: Assessment of utilization of healthcare services and associated factors in a community provides essential information for improving service delivery to achieve universal health coverage.

Objectives: To estimate the proportion of utilization of healthcare services for childhood illness among mothers of under-five children and to assess the factors associated with the utilization of healthcare services among mothers of under-five children.

Materials and methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in an urban area in Bangalore, among 120 mothers of under-five children selected using Systematic Random Sampling Technique using pretested questionnaire based on Andersen model (predisposing and enabling factors).

Method of Analysis: Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and suitable tests of significance using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) software.

Results: The mean age of mothers studied was 25.4 ± 3.5 years. Out of 120, 79 (65.8%) mothers utilized healthcare services for childhood illness. 49 (40.8%) children had respiratory tract infection, 42 (35%) had an episode of fever and 29 (24.2%) had diarrhea in the last one month. A statistically significant association was found between utilization of healthcare services and literacy of mothers (p< 0.0001), their socioeconomic status (p- 0.0128) and type of family (p-0.0007).

Conclusion: Mothers’ educational status, socioeconomic status and type of family influence the utilization of healthcare services for common childhood illness.


Keywords


Utilization of Healthcare services, Urban, Mothers of under-five, Bangalore.

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References


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