Examination of Healthcare Demand Procrastination Behaviors from a Societal Perspective

Yasemin  Aslan; Yasemin  Özdil

doi:10.18502/jchr.v14i2.17682

Yasemin Aslan Department of Health Management, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University, Balıkesir, Turkey
Yasemin Özdil Department of Health Management, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University, Balıkesir, Turkey

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jchr.v14i2.17682

Keywords: Health services needs and demand, Health services, Procrastination

Abstract

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 18-65 residing in Kocaeli. The sample included 438 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 27 software were used for data analysis.

Results: Women were found to have statistically significantly higher total scores on the HDPS compared to men (p = 0.016; p < 0.05). Married individuals had significantly lower total scores for procrastination behaviors than single individuals (p = 0.015; p < 0.05). Participants with low income and no social security exhibited more healthcare demand procrastination behaviors (p = 0.015; p = 0.042; p < 0.05). A weak but significant negative relationship was found between age and procrastination behavior (r = -0.133; p = 0.005; p < 0.01).

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.