Abstract:
Background: Health service utilization is the outcome of interaction between health professionals and
patient or the production of health service by physicians. Health service utilization has an important to
disease management and improves the health status of the population as a public health and
development issue. Universal health coverage which the World Health Organization advocates as a
means to ensuring equity in the use of health services. However the health status of Ethiopia is poor,
even when related to other low-income countries including those in sub-Saharan Africa. The
population suffers from a huge burden of diseases and overall outpatient health care utilization rates
remain low and limited existing studies have been seen in Ethiopia.
Objective: of this study was to assess utilization of health services and associated factor among ill
individuals, in Guba Koricha District, Eastern Ethiopia from March10/2018 to April 20/ 2018
Method: community based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 419 households in
urban and rural residents of Guba Koricha District from March10/2018 to April 20 /2018. Systematic
sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data collection was carried out using
structured questionnaires to interview ill individuals. The data were first coded, entered and cleaned
using EPi Data statistical software version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS statistical software version
20 for analysis. Odds ratio along with 95%CI were estimated to identify factor associated with health
service utilization. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed to check associations and control
confounding. Variables with p-value < 0.25 during bivariate analysis were entered in to multiple
logistic regression models. Level of statistical significance declared at P-value < 0.05.
Result: Out of the respondents who had been ill in the previous 4 weeks 67.3%, (95%CI: 61.8- 72.1)
visited modern health institution during illness in the study area. Married participants [AOR=2.65,
(95%CI: 1.63, 4.3)], literate participants [AOR=7.49, (95%CI: 3.98, 14.10)] and having social
supports were found to be associated with health service utilization [AOR=5.87, (95%CI: 2.88,
11.93)].
Conclusion: Almost two third of ill individuals visited modern health institutions in the study area.
This is moderate health service utilization compared to others study, marital status, educated
participants and social support were statistically associated with health service utilization.
Strengthening, awareness and social support were recommended in order to increase health service
utilization
