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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The objective of this study was to assess resource allocation of antenatal and natal health services and its effect on utilization of these services among the urban and rural strata in Zagazig District, Sharkia Governorate. Background More than half of the Egyptian population (57%) living in rural areas according to Egypt Health Profile (2011), especially poor rural areas, have access to fewer healthcare resources. Improving resource allocation of healthcare greatly influences the utilization of health services. Patient and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 married women during the child bearing period. Stage 1: four primary healthcare facilities (units and centers) were chosen by simple random technique. Stage 2: from each health facility, the sample size was estimated according to the total number of registered women in each site through proportional allocation method. Women who attended to these health facilities for antenatal care or regular check-up visits (child vaccination, outpatient) were interviewed by a predesigned questionnaire. Utilization rates were estimated and compared regarding residence. Resources were assessed by the resource allocation checklist which was adapted from the Egyptian Ministry of Health. Checklist explains the minimal required resources needed to provide the service according to the Egyptian Ministry of Health instructions. Results The study revealed high utilization rate of antenatal and natal health services in urban facility than in the rural one, with availability of most of health resources needed for providing the services in urban units with their limitation and even unavailability in rural units. Conclusion Resources allocation affects greatly health services utilization. Health resources are more available in urban residences over rural ones. So urban residences are more likely to use health services more than rural one.

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