Perceptions, attitudes and expectations of the public towards primary health care services in sub-district health promoting hospitals, Suphanburi Province, Thailand 10.55131/jphd/2026/240104
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Abstract
Primary healthcare services are essential for the development of public health, particularly in Thailand, where Sub-district Health Promoting Hospitals function as primary care units. With the planned transfer of these facilities to the Suphanburi Provincial Administrative Organization, understanding public perspectives is crucial for improving services. This study aimed to examine the relationships between utilization behavior, public perceptions, attitudes, expectations, and the factors influencing primary healthcare service utilization. This cross-sectional analytical study involved 454 participants aged 20 years and above who were registered users of Sub-district Health Promoting Hospitals in Suphanburi Province. Data collection was conducted using a validated questionnaire measuring perceptions, attitudes, expectations, and healthcare service utilization behavior. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. The results showed that the majority of participants were female (66.70%), aged 20–35 years (44.90%), and married (48.7%). Service recipients demonstrated a moderate level of perception (M=79.63, SD=11.92), a high level of attitude (M=81.50, SD=12.18), and a moderate level of expectation (M=62.15, SD=9.14) toward primary healthcare services. Primary healthcare service utilization behavior was also at a moderate level (M=74.82, SD=14.75). Significant positive correlations were found between healthcare service utilization behavior and attitudes (r=0.52, p<.01), perceptions (r=0.49, p<.01), and expectations (r=0.47, p<.01). The three predictors collectively explained 28.7% of the variance in healthcare-seeking behavior (Adjusted R²=0.287, p<.05).
These findings highlight that public perceptions, attitudes, and expectations significantly influenced primary healthcare service utilization behavior. The study suggests the need for action research involving stakeholders to enhance service quality in primary healthcare units during the administrative transition period.
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