Utilization of primary health centre services amongst rural population of northern India - some socio-demographic correlates

Abstract

Objective: To assess the awareness and utilization of Primary Health Centre (PHC) services by the rural community. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the villages of rural areas. The subjects residing for at least six months in the area was considered as a resident and included in the study. A predesigned and pretested interview schedule was used to elicit information on socio-demographic characteristics, awareness and utilization. Results: A total of 585 subjects were interviewed about their knowledge of health facility.  Majority (76.2%) of the subjects was aware about the existence of PHC services in their area however, the utilization of services by them was only 36.3%. The awareness was lower among those subjects who were illiterates. Similarly, the utilization of PHC was high among literates. There was association between socio-demographic characteristics and awareness as well as utilization. The main reason for non-utilization of PHC services was distance from their living place. Conclusion: Though the awareness about PHC services is higher amongst people in the rural areas, the utilization of its services is quite low among the community.