Patient's Perspective on Factors Affecting Health-Seeking Behavior in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Background There are different determinants of health-seeking behaviors. Studying health-seeking behaviors and their factors help governmentsuse the existing health resources properly for a potent healthcare system.This study aimed to evaluate the factors influencing health-seeking behavior in Al-Ahsa. Methods The study is a questionnaire-based observational cross-sectional study of the factors influencing health-seeking behaviors in the general population of theAl-Ahsa governorate. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was used to acquire the sample. The study followed all ethical considerations and received approval from King Faisal University. Results A total sample of 481 participants completed the study questionnaire. 21.2% of people visited the health centers for medical checkups despite having no symptoms, while 29.1% admitted to avoiding the health centers despite knowing they needed medical attention. Additionally, the majority of patients prefergovernment-run health facilities (58.6%), while 41.4%prefer the commercial sector. When experiencing any health complaints, precisely 70.7 % of women go to a medical facility, compared to 61.8% of men (P=.038). In addition to that, 68.5% of participants with intermediate economic status visit healthcare centers for any symptoms compared to 50% of others with high financial status (P=.049). Specifically, 73.3% of participants diagnosed with a disease or chronic diseases visited healthcare centers for clinical symptoms compared to 64.3% of others without (P=.049). Conclusion This studyidentified that most participants with chronic diseases seek medical care for any symptom, and the participants with an intermediate economic status are more likely to go toa governmental primary healthcare center for any symptoms. The findings of this research provide insights for the government and policymakers to create effective strategies and manage the existing resources in Al-Ahsa.