Health facility related determinants of health seeking behavior among the youth aged 14-18 years attending kasozi health centre iii, wakiso district-a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background:

 Globally, 311,000 people die in low-income countries due to challenges with health-seeking behaviors, whereas 82% of the youths in Uganda do not seek health services even when they need to. This study, therefore, aims at establishing the health facility-related determinants of health-seeking behavior among the youth aged 14-18 years attending Kasozi Health Centre III, Wakiso District.

 Methodology:

The study employed a cross-sectional study using a quantitative method of data collection. A sample of 30 respondents was selected using a simple random sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire, analyzed, and presented in the form of tables, graphs, and pie charts.

 Results:

 Findings show that the highest number (47%) of the participants used vehicles to access the facility, which was about three kilometers from their residential areas. (9.3%) Of the participants reported that the government health facilities in their areas are open 7 days a week, (40%) of the participants took about two hours to receive medical care when they were in the government facility, and (53%) reported that there are a fair attitude and communication between the patients and health care providers.

 Conclusion:

 The health facilities were distant from the areas of residence of the youths, therefore making it hard to access health services. Even when at government health facilities, there was a delay in accessing health services.

 Recommendation:

Youths should be encouraged to seek health care at the health facility and given a conducive atmosphere to open up.