A cross-sectional survey of men’s attitudes towards public health services and their utilisation practices in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The attitude that one holds towards healthcare services is an important factor associated with health-seeking behaviour. People with bad experiences of previously used healthcare services are less likely to engage with healthcare services; the healthcare worker-patient relationship is an important factor influencing attitudes towards healthcare services. This study aimed to determine the attitude of men towards public health services and utilisation practices. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was administered using a quantitative cross-sectional design on 400 men conveniently selected from randomly selected communities within the selected districts. Data from 387 questionnaires successfully returned were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version (SPSS) 29.0. for Windows. Results: Out of 387 men, 310 (81%) reported that during consultation, healthcare professionals do not respect patients, and the majority (88%; 339) reported that the waiting period in public healthcare facilities is very long. Most men (84%, 322) felt more at ease going to a private health facility than a public one. About 54% (204) of the men visited public health facilities to seek health services. There was a statistically significant relationship between men’s level of education and utilisation of healthcare services (p = 0.005). Conclusion: These men held negative attitude towards public health facilities and reported a lack of respect for patients by health workers. Revitalisation of work ethics and professional conduct among public healthcare workers is needed to remind workers about their code of conduct and improve the provision of public health services in a manner that users feel comfortable visiting health facilities to seek the services. Contribution: The study brings meaningful insights of men’s attitudes towards public health services and may help to better understand why few men engage in health services.