Abstract
This study was carried out to assess the utilization of urban health center and its related factors among the urban residents. The survey was carried out for 2,394 households in Taegu and Kyongju by the structured questionnaire from 28 March to 4 April and from 2 July to 9 July, 1994. Well trained interviewers visited 2,630 households in Taegu and Kyongju, and interviewed with housewives. Of the target households, 91.0%(2,394 households) were responded through three-time visiting. The major results were summarized as follows : The fourth and fifth decad utilized the health center more frequently than any other age groups.. The lower income group showed higher rate of health center utilization than those in higher income group in Taegu City. The mean length of residence among residents of Kyongju City is longer than those of Taegu City, and the longer length of residence, the higher rate of the health center utilization. Those who are living together with neonate and infant or elderly people showed higher rate of health center utilization than those who are living without neonate and infant or elderly people in both Taegu and Kyongju. The most common reason for visiting the health center was 'low cost'. The major reasons for not visiting the health center were 'not regular customer', 'poor health center facility', and 'low quality of care'. Vaccination, communicable disease control, outpatient care, public hygiene, maternal and child health program were well recognized as health center activities. In logistic regression for the utilization of health center, the significant independent variables were length of residence and recognize the site of health center in both Taegu and Kyongju. The improvement of quality of health service, physical environment of health center and public relations on health center's activities shoulod be considered for reactivation and reingorcement of health center functions.
