Factors Affecting Utilization of Primary Healthcare Services in Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

PHC should be accessible to the entire population, regardless of their economic or social class and geographical location. The PHC system in Saudi Arabia provides most curative and preventive health services through many centers. This study aims to estimate the percentage of PHC utilization and determine the factors associated with the utilization of PHCCs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A quantitative cross-sectional design was used for community-based PHCs and employer-based PHCs in Riyadh. The study sample consisted of 306 patients and community members attending primary health clinics at National Guard Health Affairs (NGHA) and Ministry of Health (MOH). Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire adopted from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to achieve the aim of the study. In our study, we found that 53.9% (95% CI = 48.34%, 59.51%) utilized PHCs. Furthermore, females were more likely to utilize PHCs with OR = 1.675 and 95% CI = (1.029, 2.727). Healthcare managers and policymakers should focus their efforts on providing desirable services, consequently changing public opinion about healthcare services, and increasing their satisfaction with existing services.