Factors Affecting Access to Primary Health Care Services of Working Age Population, Bang Kham Subdistrict, Ban Mi District, Lopburi Province

Abstract

This research aimed to study 1) health behaviors, perceived primary healthcare services, and attitudes towards healthcare facilities; 2) access to primary healthcare services among the working-age population; and 3) the influence of health behaviors, perceived primary healthcare services, and attitudes towards healthcare facilities on access to primary healthcare services among the working-age population in Bang Kham Subdistrict, Ban Mi District, Lopburi Province. The study population consisted of 935 working-age individuals aged 15-59 years residing in Bang Kham Subdistrict, Ban Mi District, Lopburi Province. The sample size was calculated using Taro Yamane's formula, resulting in a sample size of 281 people. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire. The statistical methods used for data analysis included descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, and inferential statistics such as Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. The study results showed that 1) the majority of the sample were female, aged between 51-59 years, with an average age of 41.92 years. Their education level was secondary school or equivalent. They were employed as general laborers, earning a monthly income of less than or equal to 10,000 baht. They were married, with 2-5 family members living together. They had no chronic diseases, used the universal health coverage scheme, and received medical services at hospital. Overall health behaviors were at a high level (Mean = 3.75, S.D. = 0.38). Perceptions of primary healthcare services were also at a high level (Mean = 3.93, S.D. = 0.785). Attitudes toward healthcare facilities were also at a high level (Mean = 4.41, S.D. = 0.580). 2) Overall access to primary healthcare services was high (Mean = 4.38, S.D. = 0.53), and 3) Multiple regression analysis revealed that attitudes towards healthcare facilities were a statistically significant factor influencing access to primary healthcare services among the working-age population in Bang Kham Subdistrict, Ban Mi District, Lopburi Province (p < 0.01), with a regression coefficient of 0.784.