Determinants of the Utilization of Non-Communicable Disease Health Services

Objective: This study aims to identify the determinants of the utilization of health services for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Identifying the key factors that influence the level of NCD health service utilization is essential to support the effective implementation of programs, improve the performance of primary health care services, and enhance the quality of life through early detection and control of NCD risk factors. The research hypothesizes that age, gender, travel distance, knowledge, and illness perception are associated with the utilization of NCD health services, and seeks to determine of the most dominant factor influencing such utilization. Material and Method: This study employed a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design. A total of 180 responders were selected using a simple random sampling method. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising demographic variable, knowledge, and illness perception, measured using the Brief Illness Perceiption Questionnaire (B-IPQ). Results: The study indicates that sex, travel distance, knowledge, and illness perception are significantly associated with the utilization of NCD health services. Age was not found to be associated with NCD health service utilization. The most dominant factor was sex, with an odds ratio (OR) of 4.727 (95% CI: 2.033-10.992), indicating that female respondents were approximately 4.7 times more likely to utilize health services compared to male respondents. Conclusion: There is a significant association between sex, travel distance, knowledge, and illness perception and the utilization of NCD health services. No significant association was found between age and the utilization of NCD health services. Sex was the dominant factor with an OR of 4.727 (95% CI: 2.033-10.992), indicating that female respondents were approximately 4.7 times more likely to utilize health services compared to male respondents