Factors influencing utilization of clinical services in Ahanta West District of Western Region, Ghana

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1998-02-15
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Abstract
The Ministry of Health (MOH) of Ghana is committed to the improvement in health status of all people living in the country. One of the options of the MOH in achieving this goal is infrastructure development to improve access to facility - based services. The improved access and coverage have not been matched by an increase in utilization of services especially in rural areas as the study area. The main objective of the study therefore was to determine the factors contributing to the utilization of clinical health services in the Ahanta West District and to make recommendations that would lead to improvement in utilization levels. It was a cross sectional study using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The main techniques used for data collection were: review of records, household survey using structured interviews, individual interviews with selected health workers and a focus group discussion with community leaders. Cluster sampling method was used to select communities. The main findings of the study were that the OPD attendance per capita in 1993 was higher than that of 1997. The Bed Occupancy Rate at the District Hospital was better than only one out of twelve health facilities offering in-patient services in the region. Poverty accessibility - service, physical and financial - factors as well as poor perception of quality of care were identified as the main barriers to utilization. The study recommends the provision of laboratory services, the setting up of health posts and community participation in facility management to address these issues relevant for improvement in service utilization.
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A thesis submitted to the Board of Postgraduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of the Degree of Master of Health Services Planning and Management, 1998
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