ABSTRACT
Purpose: For the success of the universal healthcare program, it is imperative to understand patient-choice behavior towards primary healthcare. Available research on this domain is mostly contextualized (e.g., maternity care, immunization, etc.). The attitude of people towards holistic services provided by primary care facilities where infectious, non-communicable, and lifestyle diseases are treated has yet to be properly mapped. This study seeks to contribute to the topic.
Design/Methodology/Approach: In this study, we attempted to identify the determinants for use of primary care. Primary research (questionnaire survey) was carried out on patients visiting Mohalla clinics (government-run free primary care facilities) of selected districts of Delhi, India.
Findings: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted for assessing the satisfaction of patients of Mohalla clinics. Further, the Chi-square test of association was used to explore relationships among various categorical variables of social importance.
Practical Implications: The results of the study may assist policymakers and administrators of healthcare programs in identifying the attributes that influence the utilization of primary care centers. The study also finds new research questions.
Originality/Value: We identified factors that influence the choice behavior of patients towards primary care.
