The Utilization of Health Care Facilities by Children in Grenada, West Indies

Abstract

<p>Given that there are many variables which influence health services utilization, this paper focuses on the effects of factors related to the home environment. The home is seen as providing a socio-geographic focus where disease can be transmitted and health behaviour can be learned. The effects of home-related factors on use of health care facilities by children less than eight years old in Grenada, West Indies are examined.</p> <p>The data set which informs this study comes from a study called the McMaster-Grenada Child Health Project. Specific information on health care utilization was obtained on a study group in five communities in Grenada. A census, survey and utilization records comprise the data set. Bivariate analyses were conducted between utilization measures and a variety of proposed household 'determinants'. These determinants were classified under the headings of household residential composition, household physical environment, household behavioural environment and distance related factors. The same analyses were conducted for the children's older counterparts, aged 16-59 because it was felt that the comparison of results would prove insightful and perhaps aid in explaining some of the relationships found in the children's group.</p> <p>The results of the analysis indeed showed that home related factors are significantly related to the children's use of health care facilities. Elements from all four dimensions of the home significantly influenced service use by these children.</p> <p>This study recommends that further studies be conducted on the determinants of children's utilization of health care facilities in developing nations since many previous studies have mainly focused on the developed world.</p>