Examination of Healthcare Demand Procrastination Behaviors from a Societal Perspective

Background: Health is one of the most fundamental rights of individuals from birth and is guaranteed by national and international texts. This study aims to evaluate individuals' healthcare demand procrastination behaviors from a societal perspective. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the province of Kocaeli, located in the Marmara region of Türkiye. The population of the study consisted of literate individuals aged ۱۸-۶۵ residing in Kocaeli. The sample included ۴۳۸ individuals who volunteered to participate in the study. Data were collected using a sociodemographic information form and the Healthcare Demand Procrastination Scale (HDPS) through face-to-face interviews employing the convenience sampling method. Descriptive statistics and SPSS ۲۷ software were used for data analysis. Results: Women were found to have statistically significantly higher total scores on the HDPS compared to men (p = ۰.۰۱۶; p < ۰.۰۵). Married individuals had significantly lower total scores for procrastination behaviors than single individuals (p = ۰.۰۱۵; p < ۰.۰۵). Participants with low income and no social security exhibited more healthcare demand procrastination behaviors (p = ۰.۰۱۵; p = ۰.۰۴۲; p < ۰.۰۵). A weak but significant negative relationship was found between age and procrastination behavior (r = -۰.۱۳۳; p = ۰.۰۰۵; p < ۰.۰۱). Conclusion: To achieve a healthy society, it would be beneficial to implement policy regulations aimed at protecting disadvantaged groups who cannot seek healthcare services when needed due to various reasons.

کلیدواژه ها:

Health services needs and demand ، Health services ، Procrastination