Utilization of a local government health center: community and provider perceptions from a Bangladeshi village

Abstract

Objective: To explore the contributing factors for the utilization or underutilization of a local government health center from the community member and health provider perspectives in a rural village of Bangladesh. Methods: In-depth interviews, focus group discussions, participatory rural appraisals, informal discussions, and observations were conducted among lower socio-economic community members and health providers. Findings: The main contributing factors for the utilization of the local government health center from community members and providers were free service, accessibility, and availability ofservice. The main contributing factors for the underutilization of the center were lack of health personnel and medicines, as well as staff behavior towards patients. Conclusion: Numerous factors affect the underutilization of the health service in rural Bangladesh. These critical factors must be explored further and considered in the design and implementation of health programs to meet the needs of communities in order to improve utilization and the health status of the population.