The Influence of Individual Characteristics on the Utilization of Puskesmas by the Community in the Working Area of the Bandar Baru Puskesmas Deli Serdang Regency in 2024
Introduction
Puskesmas , or community health center, plays a vital role in organizing primary health efforts, both for public and individual health. In the Deli Serdang Regency, Bandar Baru Puskesmas is one of 34 Puskesmas under the auspices of the Deli Serdang District Health Office. Unfortunately, the use of services at this Puskesmas by the community is still relatively low. This study aims to identify the factors that influence the use of Bandar Baru Tourism Puskesmas.
Background
The utilization of health services at Puskesmas is a crucial aspect of public health. In the working area of the Bandar Baru Puskesmas, the number of visits to the Puskesmas has not yet reached the target set, which is 150 per mile. This indicates a need to investigate the factors that influence the use of Puskesmas services. The study focuses on the individual characteristics of the community, including age, accessibility, and perception of disease, which may affect the utilization of Puskesmas services.
Methodology
This study employed a descriptive-analytic research design with a cross-sectional approach, conducted from October 2023 to May 2024. The population consisted of all heads of families who live in the working area of the Bandar Baru Puskesmas, with a total of 3,722 households. A sample of 95 households was chosen for the study. Data was collected through interviews using a questionnaire and analyzed using logistic regression tests.
Results
The results of the study showed that only 22 respondents (23.2%) used the Puskesmas, while 73 respondents (76.8%) did not use it. The multivariate analysis revealed that three variables had a significant influence on the utilization of the Bandar Baru Tourism Puskesmas: age (p = 0.001), accessibility (p = 0.003), and perception of disease (p = 0.010). Among the three variables, the age variable had the most significant influence, with an exp value (B) of 72,437.
Discussion
The findings of this study highlight the importance of individual characteristics in determining the utilization of Puskesmas services. Age, accessibility, and perception of disease are significant factors that influence the use of Puskesmas services. The age variable has the most significant influence, indicating that older individuals are more likely to use Puskesmas services. This may be due to the fact that older individuals are more aware of the importance of health services and are more likely to seek medical attention.
Conclusion
The study concludes that individual characteristics, such as age, accessibility, and perception of disease, have a significant influence on the utilization of Puskesmas services. Therefore, the strategy of increasing community participation in utilizing health services in the Puskesmas needs to consider these factors in order to be more effective. This research is expected to be a reference for policy makers in formulating the right programs to improve public health in Deli Serdang Regency, especially in the working area of the Bandar Baru Puskesmas.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:
Health Promotion Efforts : Health promotion efforts should be made to increase public awareness about the importance of health services available at the Bandar Baru Puskesmas.Counseling Activities : Counseling activities should be conducted to increase public knowledge and understanding of health services.Accessibility Improvement : Efforts should be made to improve accessibility to the Puskesmas, including the provision of transportation and other facilities.Perception of Disease : Efforts should be made to improve the perception of disease among the community, including the provision of education and awareness programs.
Limitations
This study has several limitations, including:
Sample Size : The sample size of 95 households may not be representative of the entire population.Data Collection : The data was collected through interviews using a questionnaire, which may not be the most effective method of data collection.Analysis : The analysis was conducted using logistic regression tests, which may not be the most appropriate method of analysis.
Future Research
Future research should focus on investigating the factors that influence the utilization of Puskesmas services in other areas, including the role of social and economic factors. Additionally, research should be conducted to investigate the effectiveness of health promotion efforts and counseling activities in increasing public awareness and utilization of Puskesmas services.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Influence of Individual Characteristics on the Utilization of Puskesmas by the Community in the Working Area of the Bandar Baru Puskesmas Deli Serdang Regency in 2024
Q: What is Puskesmas and why is it important?
A: Puskesmas, or community health center, is a health service facility that plays a vital role in organizing primary health efforts, both for public and individual health. It is an important institution in the community, providing essential health services to the public.
Q: What is the purpose of this study?
A: The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that influence the use of Bandar Baru Tourism Puskesmas by the community in the working area of the Deli Serdang Regency.
Q: What are the individual characteristics that influence the utilization of Puskesmas services?
A: The study found that three individual characteristics have a significant influence on the utilization of Puskesmas services: age, accessibility, and perception of disease.
Q: What is the most significant factor that influences the utilization of Puskesmas services?
A: The age variable has the most significant influence, with an exp value (B) of 72,437. This indicates that older individuals are more likely to use Puskesmas services.
Q: What are the implications of this study for policy makers?
A: The study highlights the importance of considering individual characteristics, such as age, accessibility, and perception of disease, when formulating policies to improve public health in Deli Serdang Regency.
Q: What are the recommendations of this study for improving the utilization of Puskesmas services?
A: The study recommends the following:
Health Promotion Efforts : Health promotion efforts should be made to increase public awareness about the importance of health services available at the Bandar Baru Puskesmas.Counseling Activities : Counseling activities should be conducted to increase public knowledge and understanding of health services.Accessibility Improvement : Efforts should be made to improve accessibility to the Puskesmas, including the provision of transportation and other facilities.Perception of Disease : Efforts should be made to improve the perception of disease among the community, including the provision of education and awareness programs.
Q: What are the limitations of this study?
A: The study has several limitations, including:
Sample Size : The sample size of 95 households may not be representative of the entire population.Data Collection : The data was collected through interviews using a questionnaire, which may not be the most effective method of data collection.Analysis : The analysis was conducted using logistic regression tests, which may not be the most appropriate method of analysis.
Q: What are the future research directions based on this study?
A: Future research should focus on investigating the factors that influence the utilization of Puskesmas services in other areas, including the role of social and economic factors. Additionally, research should be conducted to investigate the effectiveness of health promotion efforts and counseling activities in increasing public awareness and utilization of Puskesmas services.