Access to and utilization of the health services among the patients in a government homeopathic hospital in West Bengal, India: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Accessibility to and utilization of the hospital health services is a complex and multifaceted issue. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of the patients of health services, current level of access to and utilization of services and to identify barriers and socioeconomic disparities in an Indian homeopathic hospital. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in December 2013 on systematically sampled 377 patients. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and univariate logistic regression. Mean knowledge score and perceived mean difficulties in access to and utilization of services were 68.4% and 78.5%, respectively. Knowledge of the services was influenced by age, residence, education, speaking and reading of Bengali language, and income status (P < .05). Difficulty in access to and utilization of the health services were influenced by residence, understanding of Bengali language, and monthly household income (P < .05). Overall, health service access and utilization appeared promising, but needs improvement.