Improve the quality of services at the Ulumahuam Health Center

Oct 13, 2025 by vinooalluri.com 123 views

Introduction

Healthcare utilization is a critical aspect of public health, and understanding the factors that influence it is essential for improving healthcare outcomes. In Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency, the Ulumahuam Puskesmas, a first-level health facility, faces the challenge of low utilization by the community. This study aims to identify the determinant factors that affect the utilization of Ulumahuam Puskesmas in 2020.

Background

The Ulumahuam Puskesmas is one of the first-level health facilities in Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency, providing essential healthcare services to the community. However, data from 2020 shows that only 10% of the total population utilized this Puskesmas, which is far below the average utilization of Puskesmas in the regency (13 visits per day). This low utilization rate raises concerns about the effectiveness of healthcare services provided by the Puskesmas.

Methodology

This study employed a cross-sectional design and explanatory research method, involving 100 families out of a total of 3,616 households in the Ulumahuam Puskesmas working area. Data was collected through a questionnaire and analyzed using multiple logistics regression tests. The study aimed to identify the factors that affect the utilization of Ulumahuam Puskesmas and to determine the main determinant factor.

Results

The results showed that 34 respondents (34%) utilized Ulumahuam Puskesmas, while 66 respondents (66%) did not use it. Bivariate analysis revealed a significant relationship between the use of the Puskesmas and the educational variable (p = 0.001), the ownership of health insurance (p = 0.001), and the service waiting time (p = 0.019). However, multivariate analysis showed that health insurance ownership is the main determining factor in the use of Ulumahuam Puskesmas, with an Exp (B) value of 5,395.

Discussion

The findings of this study highlight the importance of the National Health Insurance Program (JKN) in encouraging access and utilization of health services. Effective socialization regarding JKN and its benefits to the community in the work area of Ulumahuam Health Center is very important. In addition, the role of health workers through counseling and improving the quality of services at the Ulumahuam Health Center also needs to be improved. This can increase public confidence in health services provided and encourage an increase in the scope of utilization of puskesmas.

Conclusion

Proactive efforts in increasing access and quality of health services, as well as a comprehensive JKN socialization will be the key to success in encouraging the Ulumahuam Puskesmas optimally. The study's findings provide valuable insights into the determinant factors that affect the utilization of Ulumahuam Puskesmas and highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve healthcare outcomes in the community.

Recommendations

Based on the study's findings, the following recommendations are made:

Improve the quality of services at the Ulumahuam Health Center through counseling and training for health workers.
Enhance the role of health workers in promoting health insurance and its benefits to the community.
Increase public awareness about the importance of health insurance and its benefits through effective socialization.
Improve access to health services by increasing the availability of healthcare providers and facilities in the community.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

The study's sample size was limited to 100 families, which may not be representative of the entire community.
The study's data collection method was based on a questionnaire, which may be subject to biases and limitations.
The study's analysis was limited to multiple logistics regression tests, which may not capture all the factors that affect the utilization of Ulumahuam Puskesmas.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Investigate the impact of health insurance on healthcare utilization in other regions and communities.
Examine the role of health workers in promoting health insurance and its benefits to the community.
Develop and implement effective socialization strategies to increase public awareness about the importance of health insurance and its benefits.

References

[1] World Health Organization. (2019). World Health Report 2019: Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.
[2] Ministry of Health. (2020). National Health Insurance Program (JKN) Annual Report 2020.
[3] Ulumahuam Puskesmas. (2020). Annual Report 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Determinant Utilization of Ulumahuam Puskesmas Silangkitang District, Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency in 2020 ===========================================================

Q: What is the main determinant factor that affects the utilization of Ulumahuam Puskesmas?

A: The main determinant factor that affects the utilization of Ulumahuam Puskesmas is health insurance ownership. The study found that health insurance ownership has a significant influence on the people's decision to utilize the Ulumahuam Health Center.

Q: What is the significance of the National Health Insurance Program (JKN) in encouraging access and utilization of health services?

A: The National Health Insurance Program (JKN) is crucial in encouraging access and utilization of health services. Effective socialization regarding JKN and its benefits to the community in the work area of Ulumahuam Health Center is very important.

Q: What role do health workers play in promoting health insurance and its benefits to the community?

A: Health workers play a crucial role in promoting health insurance and its benefits to the community. They can provide counseling and improve the quality of services at the Ulumahuam Health Center, which can increase public confidence in health services provided and encourage an increase in the scope of utilization of puskesmas.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The study has several limitations, including:

The study's sample size was limited to 100 families, which may not be representative of the entire community.
The study's data collection method was based on a questionnaire, which may be subject to biases and limitations.
The study's analysis was limited to multiple logistics regression tests, which may not capture all the factors that affect the utilization of Ulumahuam Puskesmas.

Q: What are the recommendations for improving healthcare utilization in the community?

A: Based on the study's findings, the following recommendations are made:

Improve the quality of services at the Ulumahuam Health Center through counseling and training for health workers.
Enhance the role of health workers in promoting health insurance and its benefits to the community.
Increase public awareness about the importance of health insurance and its benefits through effective socialization.
Improve access to health services by increasing the availability of healthcare providers and facilities in the community.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research should aim to:

Investigate the impact of health insurance on healthcare utilization in other regions and communities.
Examine the role of health workers in promoting health insurance and its benefits to the community.
Develop and implement effective socialization strategies to increase public awareness about the importance of health insurance and its benefits.

Q: What are the implications of this study for policymakers and healthcare providers?

A: The study's findings have significant implications for policymakers and healthcare providers. They should prioritize improving the quality of services at the Ulumahuam Health Center, enhancing the role of health workers, increasing public awareness about the importance of health insurance, and improving access to health services.

Q: What are the potential applications of this study?

A: The study's findings have potential applications in:

Improving healthcare utilization in other regions and communities.
Developing effective socialization strategies to increase public awareness about the importance of health insurance.
Enhancing the role of health workers in promoting health insurance and its benefits to the community.

Q: What are the potential limitations of applying the study's findings in other contexts?

A: The study's findings may not be generalizable to other contexts, due to differences in healthcare systems, cultural backgrounds, and socioeconomic conditions. Therefore, policymakers and healthcare providers should carefully consider the study's limitations and adapt the findings to their specific context.