Healthcare services utilization among type 2 diabetes patients in Hlegu township, Yangon region, Myanmar

Abstract

This cross-sectional study was carried out to identify the healthcare service utilization of type 2 diabetes patients in Hlegu Township, Yangon, Myanmar and its associated factors. Simple random sampling method was used to select the samples. A structured interview questionnaire was used to collect the data. Chi-square test was used to examine the association between the healthcare service utilization and study variables. Out of the total 287 participants, 25.4% were male and 74.6% were female. Most of the patients were between the ages 50-69 years (62.0%). Patients with good level of knowledge was 68.7% and those with positive attitude was 46%. The patients with comorbidities was 54.7% and those who perceived their health as good was 69.7%. Almost 60.6% of the patients were found utilizing the healthcare service. Healthcare service utilization was significantly associated with the factors including age (p<0.001), marital status (p=0.003), education (p=0.026), average monthly family income (p=0.043), availability of health provider (p=0.007), drug availability (p=0.001) and presence of comorbidities (p=0.001). The results indicate that primary healthcare services should be strengthened and incorporated along with the basic support for diabetes management. Allocation of human resources for primary healthcare facilities are essential to improve the healthcare service utilization of diabetes patients. Regular monitoring of drug stores and regular supply of medicine and logistics are recommended.