Abstract
Background: In rural and remote areas in Indonesia, inappropriate health-seeking behavior (HSB) persists. The Indonesian Bureau of Statistics reported that the percentage of healthcare facilities utilization remains low. Inappropriate HSB has been related to poorer health outcomes, higher morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to investigate factors related to HSB toward formal healthcare providers in rural areas.
Subjects and Method: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Teluk Nara, Malaka village, North Lombok, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, from July to August 2023. A sample of 110 people was selected by convenience sampling. The dependent variable was health-seeking behavior toward formal healthcare providers. The independent variable was institutional trust. The data were collected by a questionnaire and analyzed using multiple logistic regression.
Results: Health-seeking behavior toward formal healthcare providers significantly increased with institutional trust (OR= 3.67; 95% CI= 1.42 to 9.47; p= 0.007).
Conclusion: Health-seeking behavior toward formal healthcare providers significantly increases with institutional trust in rural areas.
Keywords: health-seeking behavior, formal healthcare providers, rural area
Correspondence:
Alfian Muhajir. Masters Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret. Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Surakarta 57126, Central Java. Email: alfian.muhajir@gmail.com. Mobile: +6281805273479.