Title:
The impact of COVID-19 and public health measures on healthcare seeking behaviour and the utilization of healthcare services among community members in Vietnam
Authors:
Dang, Thao Huong
Place:
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Publisher:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute [etc.]
Year:
2022
PAGE:
60
Language:
En
Subject:
Health and Poverty
Keywords:
Healthcare seeking behaviour, Healthcare utilization, access to healthcare, Covid‑19 Pandemic, Vietnam
Abstract:
Background: Covid-19 has burdened the health system and livelihoods in major ways, leading to the cancellation and delay of healthcare services. In this study, we aimed to examine the factors that influence healthcare seeking behaviour (HSB) and healthcare utilization (HCU) in the context of COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam. Method: This is a mixed method study using data from the first phase of a multicenter study called SPEAR (Social Science and Public Engagement Action Research) project. For the qualitative data, we analyzed in-depth interview scripts collected from purposive participants (community members and healthcare workers living in Hanoi, Nam Dinh, Dak Lak and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam). We used thematic network analysis method (Nvivo-12) to assess the data based on Andersen’s behavioral model to identify the factors that influenced HSB and HCU from January to May 2021. For quantitative data, online surveys collected from January to July 2021 were analyzed. We used R program to describe the demographic characteristics of the study population, proportion and frequency of different factors associated with HSB and HCU. Results: For qualitative themes emerging: i) environmental factors (including public health measures(PHM) and prioritizing resources policy for COVID-19) influence the disruption of the essential health care service; ii) the delay and cancellation of medical appointments among people due to the fear of getting infected; iii) mental health and the neglected of professional care services; iv) the change in the pattern of the resort of HCU in patients with flu-like symptoms; v) the negative impacts of COVID-19 and PHM on livelihood and access to care. For quantitative results: One in every ten survey respondents delayed or cancelled medical appointments during the pandemic (11% of all participants). This delay or cancellation was mainly due to the disruption of health services, with 31% of all responses recorded (including 22% due to healthcare provider cancellation appointments and health facilities closure 9%). Vaccinations for children accounted for 29% of all delayed or cancelled health services, followed by routine health check-ups (20%) and dental care (19%) of recorded responses. There was a significant difference in the self-care action of participants when they had symptoms such as cough, sore throat and fever before and during Covid-19 pandemic (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic and the public health measures implemented affected participants’ socioeconomic status, health services utilization, their psychological well-being and social relationships. These impacts could also have consequences for healthcare access and HCU. The findings suggest the need for a holistic approach including health system protection and social protection policy
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute , VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Country:
Vietnam
Region:
Southeast Asia
Training:
Master of Public Health/International Course in Health Development
Category:
Research
Right:
@ 2022 Dang
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
gubMkGu4KE_20231122154655740.pdf