Motive for Using Specific Health Care Practices in Kathmandu Metropolitan City

Abstract

This cross sectional analytical study tries to identify the reasons which motivate people to use specific
health care practices and assess the relationship of factors affecting the health service utilization pattern on
use of health services in Kathmandu Metropolitan City. The data for this study is collected from the
Kathmandu Metropolitan City. A representative and random sample of 500 household is taken, using
multistage sampling, with the probability of selection of study area proportional to their size. Data are
collected with the help of semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS13.0. Results are obtained
by the frequency distribution and cross tabulation of the variables. Chi-square tests and logistic regression
are run. Result suggests that families seek different types of providers for contrasting reasons and at
varying stages of illness. Quality of care, severity/ nature of illness, belief in specific health care practices,
income and service price all are significant in the choice of health care provider. Distance factor seems to
be a trivial factor in the choice of health care provider. Cost of care is important but is not an
overwhelming factor in the choice of modern health care provider.