A study to assess the utilization of health care services among fishermen communities in urban slums of Visakhapatnam city: a cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: In spite of an extensive primary health care system exists in India, yet it is inadequate in terms of coverage of the population, especially in rural areas and urban slums, and gross underutilization. Assessment of the utilization of health services is important for the health of a nation. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted during October 2012- September 2013 among 215 families residing in Kotha Jalaripeta fishermen community of urban slums of Visakhapatnam city. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data and was analyzed using SPSS 20 and valid inferences were drawn. Results: Majority (60.9%) of the slum dwellers preferred Government hospitals for adult health problems and (56.3%) for child health problems. Majority (82.4%) of them utilized Government Hospitals for maternal health services and (73.5%) for Inpatient care. Majority (80.9%) of them preferred Anganwadi centers for immunization services. Antenatal care utilization by slum women was found satisfactory. Conclusions: This study revealed a relatively higher utilization of government health services for different health problems when compared to the other studies regarding various aspects and dimensions of health services. But still health problems exist to a great extent and there is an urgent need to improve health services in urban slums.