Understanding the factors that influence community demand for health services is crucial in improving the utilization of Puskesmas

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 33 views

The Influence of Health Workers Services, Puskesmas Facilities and Infrastructure, as well as Tariffs on Community Demand in Health Services at the Rantauprapat City Health Center

Introduction

The utilization of Puskesmas as a basic health service center in the community is still relatively minimal. The 2006 regional health survey results showed that the Puskesmas became the third choice for household members who were looking for treatment. This is probably due to the development of health services that do not fully meet the needs of the community as consumers of basic health services. Understanding the factors that influence community demand for health services is crucial in improving the utilization of Puskesmas. This study aims to analyze the effect of health workers, facilities and infrastructure available at the Puskesmas, as well as tariffs on public demand for health services at the Rantauprapat City Health Center.

Methodology

This analytic research was conducted in July 2007 with a sample consisting of all patients aged over 17 years who went to the Rantauprapat City Health Center and were not registered in the Health Insurance Program (Non Askes). The main purpose of this research is to analyze the effect of health workers, facilities and infrastructure available at the Puskesmas, as well as tariffs on public demand for health services at the Rantauprapat City Health Center. The research design used in this study is a quantitative approach, with a survey method.

Results

The results showed that the community considered the services provided by health workers in the poor category. Although the facilities and infrastructure at the Puskesmas are considered good, service tariffs are considered in the poor category. On the other hand, community demand for health services is classified as good. Statistical test revealed that health workers and tariff services have a significant influence on community demand (non-health), while facilities and infrastructure do not have significant influence.

Discussion

Puskesmas, as the frontline in health services, should have optimal service quality to increase public confidence. The influence of health workers' services on community demand shows that the quality of interaction between patients and medical personnel is very important. If patients feel dissatisfied with the services provided, they tend to look for other alternatives, even if the Puskesmas has good facilities and infrastructure.

The tariff factor also plays a major role in the people's decision to use the Puskesmas service. When the tariff is considered unreachable or not in accordance with the quality of service, the community will hesitate to take advantage of the Puskesmas. Therefore, the evaluation and tariff adjustment needs to be done so that it is in line with the expectations and economic capabilities of the community.

In the context of facilities and infrastructure, although research shows that the facilities at the Puskesmas are good, this is not enough to attract the interest of the community if the service and tariffs are inadequate. Therefore, there needs to be an integrated approach that not only focuses on improving facilities, but also on improving the quality of services and determining fair tariffs.

Conclusion

Overall, to increase the use of Puskesmas as a health service center, there needs to be a synergy between the government, health workers, and the community. Good service, affordable rates, and adequate facilities will create public trust in the Puskesmas and increase demand for health services provided. This effort is expected to be able to optimize the function of the Puskesmas as a health center that is relied on by the community in Rantauprapat City.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Improve the quality of services provided by health workers at the Puskesmas.
Conduct an evaluation of the tariff system and adjust it to be in line with the expectations and economic capabilities of the community.
Improve the facilities and infrastructure at the Puskesmas to make it more attractive to the community.
Develop an integrated approach that focuses on improving the quality of services, determining fair tariffs, and improving facilities and infrastructure.

By implementing these recommendations, the Puskesmas can become a reliable health center that meets the needs of the community in Rantauprapat City.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Influence of Health Workers Services, Puskesmas Facilities and Infrastructure, as well as Tariffs on Community Demand in Health Services at the Rantauprapat City Health Center

Q: What is the main purpose of this study?

A: The main purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of health workers, facilities and infrastructure available at the Puskesmas, as well as tariffs on public demand for health services at the Rantauprapat City Health Center.

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study is significant because it aims to understand the factors that influence community demand for health services, which is crucial in improving the utilization of Puskesmas. By identifying the factors that affect community demand, this study can provide insights on how to improve the quality of services, facilities, and tariffs at the Puskesmas.

Q: What are the key findings of this study?

A: The key findings of this study are that health workers and tariff services have a significant influence on community demand (non-health), while facilities and infrastructure do not have significant influence. Additionally, the community considered the services provided by health workers in the poor category, although the facilities and infrastructure at the Puskesmas are considered good.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The implications of this study are that the Puskesmas needs to improve the quality of services provided by health workers and adjust the tariff system to be in line with the expectations and economic capabilities of the community. Additionally, the Puskesmas needs to improve its facilities and infrastructure to make it more attractive to the community.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study?

A: The recommendations of this study are to:

Improve the quality of services provided by health workers at the Puskesmas.
Conduct an evaluation of the tariff system and adjust it to be in line with the expectations and economic capabilities of the community.
Improve the facilities and infrastructure at the Puskesmas to make it more attractive to the community.
Develop an integrated approach that focuses on improving the quality of services, determining fair tariffs, and improving facilities and infrastructure.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study are that it only focuses on the Rantauprapat City Health Center and does not generalize to other Puskesmas. Additionally, the study only analyzes the effect of health workers, facilities and infrastructure, and tariffs on community demand, and does not consider other factors that may influence community demand.

Q: What are the future directions of this study?

A: The future directions of this study are to:

Conduct a similar study in other Puskesmas to generalize the findings.
Analyze the effect of other factors that may influence community demand, such as the quality of services, facilities, and tariffs.
Develop a comprehensive plan to improve the quality of services, facilities, and tariffs at the Puskesmas.

Q: What are the implications for policy and practice?

A: The implications for policy and practice are that the government, health workers, and the community need to work together to improve the quality of services, facilities, and tariffs at the Puskesmas. Additionally, the government needs to provide support and resources to the Puskesmas to improve its facilities and infrastructure.