Investigation and Analysis of Utilization of Outpatient Health Service Among Residents in Hubei Province

Abstract：Objective To understand the utilization of outpatient health service in Hubei Province and to provide data support and theoretical basis for health policy.Methods Multi-stage stratified cluster sampling was used to select 34 144 residents in Hubei Province.Data was collected via a face to face household survey using the 5th National Health Service Investigation.Results There are 7 047 residents answering their medical history,the number of person who saw a doctor in two weeks is 3 354,the two-week consultation rate was 9.8％ (3 354/34 144),and the rate was 9.6％ in urban areas and 10.0％ in rural areas,respectively.The proportion of residents who choose primary medical institutions as the first diagnosed agencies is 78.1％ and the consultation rate decreased as the level of health care institutions increases.The proportion of patients with a two week illness history does not seek medical care is 21.3％ (1 498/7 047) and the proportion of patients who doesn't get any treatment is 8.2％ (576/7 047),The major reasons for not seeking medical care or not getting any treatment are that "feeling slight ill there is no effective measure" and "economic hardship".Conclusion The utilization level of outpatient health service in Hubei Province increases,the primary medical institutions are the primary choice,and the impact of economic hardship on health-seeking behaviors reduces.