An epidemiologic study of primary health care service utilization of summer visitors to Abha, Asir, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Primary health care (PHC) service utilization by summer visitors to Abha, Saudi Arabia was studied among 227 families including 1443 persons attending the Al-Manhal Primary Health Care Center (PHCC) during August 1991. Summer visitors added an excess load on PHC services: 1.8% for preventive activities, 3.3% for diagnostic activities and 17.4% for curative activities. A significant excess of utilization of curative PHC activities was observed among summer visitors compared to residents. On the other hand, a significant decrease in utilization of preventive and diagnostic PHC services was noted among summer visitors. This study demonstrates the importance of augmenting PHCCs with staff and supplies in residential areas during the summer to cope with the situation and of providing proper and adequate PHC services. More health education is needed to inform people about importance of preventive PHC for better utilization of the available services.