Patterns of healthcare utilization among pediatric patients at a secondary care medical center in Islamabad, Pakistan
Abstract
Background: Private sector healthcare utilization is significantly high in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), such as Pakistan, where 57–80% of healthcare services are provided by private facilities. Understanding healthcare utilization patterns, especially among pediatric patients, is essential for optimizing resource allocation and improving healthcare outcomes.
Objectives: To determine healthcare utilization patterns among pediatric patients at the outpatient Department (OPD) of a secondary care center affiliated with Islamabad Medical Complex (IMC) in Islamabad.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of medical records for pediatric patients aged 0–15 years who visited the OPD of a secondary care center in Islamabad from January to December 2023. Data on demographics, presenting complaints, and healthcare utilization patterns—including visits to General Practitioners (GPs), Pediatric OPD visits, and follow-ups were collected. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the study findings.
Results: A total of 1,920 pediatric patients were included in the study. The mean age was 8.64 years, with the majority (36.9%) in the 1–5-year age group. Males comprised 54.4% of the sample. Respiratory tract infections (31.9%) and diarrheal diseases (25.8%) were the most common presenting complaints at registration. Approximately 79.7% of patients visited General Practitioners (GPs) at least 1–2 times, while OPD follow-up visits accounted for 10.3% of all visits.
Conclusion: This study highlights pediatric healthcare utilization patterns in a secondary care medical center. Respiratory and diarrheal diseases were the primary presenting complaints. Findings from this study may help devise strategies to improve healthcare delivery, resource allocation, and preventive care interventions in healthcare settings across Pakistan.
Keywords: Healthcare utilization, Pediatric patients, Secondary care medical center, Islamabad
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Copyright (c) 2024 Zeeshan Parvaiz, Nazia Mushtaq, Ruqayya Manzoor, Hina Sattar (Author)
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