The utilisation of primary health care in Malta.

Abstract

The aims of this study were to evaluate the impact of accessibility on the demand for primary health care services by different socioeconomic groups in the general practice setting. Also, this study revealed the key factors that influence the utilization of health care services. The research study was conducted in Malta. The quantitative data was obtained from telephone questionnaires of a sample of the Maltese population (n=200). Qualitative data was collated from the interviews with general practitioners (n= 10) working in the private and public sectors. Two elite interviews, were carried out to round up the research findings. The final number of individuals who participated in the telephone questionnaire was two-hundred (n=200). Variables measured included consultations with private versus government general practitioners and also parents' consultations with general private and public practitioners and specialists concerning their children. The reported satisfaction with the use of primary health care services and the general attitudes of the sample chosen towards sources of health information were also assessed. The socio-demographic characteristics of respondents were analysed to explore the utilization of primary health care in terms of gender, monthly household income, level of education, and age and also to study any inequities within the use of health care services. The telephone questionnaire conferred a response rate of 80%. This study revealed the extent to which the Maltese trust their private family doctor. This study revealed study significant correlations that were found between socioeconomic position and the use of health services in relation to primary care. A number of factors have been shown to influence the utilization of health care services and these were mainly related to cost and fear from doctors. Doctors working in the private sector are highly satisfied because of sound doctor-patient relationships and continuity of care. Due to doctors' stress, shortage of staff and low job satisfaction, both patients and doctors in the public sector are dissatisfied. Such research findings can then be used to improve our understanding of the potential factors involved in the uptake and utilization of primary health care services by different socioeconomic individuals. Strategies for reducing socio-economic health inequalities are partly associated with changing social and economical policies, empowering individuals, strengthening social and family networks, and improving the equity of the health care system. The health care system needs to be geographically accessible since improving access is n crucial step in encouraging individuals to better utilize the primary health care services.