Mashina, Marystella M.2024-02-012024-02-012015Mashina, Marystella M. 2015, Factors Influencing Utilization of Health care Facilities at Muheza Designated District Hospital (DDH)-Tanga.http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/1313A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Masters of Science in Public Health of Hubert Kairuki Memorial University.Abstract: Background Effective utilization of health care facilities in Tanzania seems to be a problem though is not adequately investigated. People living in urban benefit good quality care compared to rural populations in Tanzania. Objectives: To find out barriers underpinning effective utilization of health services at Muheza DDH with the future aim of improving utilization and quality of care. Materials and Methods This was a descriptive cross sectional study, utilizing the review of Muheza DDH records followed by Focus Group Discussions using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Result A total of 270 respondents were recruited into the study, constituted by three main groups/categories of patients, health professionals, and key informants. There was intergroup balance in relation to age, marital status, occupation. Except for health professionals who were urban residents, most others lived in rural villages. Different factors hindering effective utilization were distance to Muheza DDH, inadequate human resource especially specialists, lack of drugs and diagnostic tools, poor environmental sanitation, transport and hospital costs and communication barriers. Conclusion. Under-utilization of health facilities should be investigated and barriers addressed in order to attain the National target of reducing morbidity and mortality in populations. Based on findings, the Government should improve/provide adequate human and material support, subsidize hospital cost and motivate health workers.enUtilization of Health care FacilitiesMuheza DesignatedTangaThesis