The state of medical sphere in Rivne region

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10.03.2017

The state of medical sphere in Rivne region

According to a survey conducted by the Rating Group, almost two thirds of respondents (59%) are dissatisfied with state medical services over the past five years. The number of those who are satisfied is twice as low (32%). The level of satisfaction with this type of service is somewhat higher among rural residents than among urban residents. At the same time, district centers show the lowest level of satisfaction.
23% of respondents believe that over the past two years the overall quality of public medical services in the region has improved; the same share noted an improvement in the quality of services they personally received. At the same time, 38–39% did not observe any changes. People in villages are more likely to report positive changes than city residents (with the lowest ratings in district centers).
The quality of medical care in public healthcare institutions is evaluated negatively by 52% of respondents, while 40% give positive assessments. More negative evaluations come from urban residents compared to rural residents (56% vs. 48%), and from those who visit doctors rarely compared to those who do so frequently (63% vs. 54%). Youth, people with minor children, and low-income groups are the most critical.
At the same time, the quality of care in private medical institutions is evaluated positively by more than 52%, 12% evaluate it negatively, and more than a third could not give an assessment. Younger and middle-aged people, wealthier respondents, and those who visit doctors more often are more inclined to rate private medicine positively.
40% confirmed (and nearly the same share did not) that they had witnessed hospital renovations or repairs over the past two years. Such updates were mentioned much more often in villages than in cities (50% vs. 30%).
22% consult a doctor or medical specialist less than once a year, 27% once a year, a quarter every six months, 15% every three months, and only 7% do so monthly. Urban residents, middle-aged and older people, women, and poorer groups tend to consult doctors more frequently.
A large majority (67%) know who their family doctor or therapist is. Awareness is higher among rural residents, women, middle-aged and older people, and people with children. 54% fully or partially trust their family doctor. Among those who know their doctor, 74% trust them.
91% believe it is necessary to consult a doctor before starting treatment. Half usually understand the treatment scheme provided, and one third partially understand it. Respondents with higher education and higher income tend to understand prescriptions better.
Most respondents fully (40%) or partially (31%) follow doctors’ prescriptions; 7% decide independently, and 14% consult another doctor. Women are more likely to follow prescriptions. Those who know and trust their doctor follow prescriptions far more often.
87% trust medical professionals’ recommendations, 71% trust pharmacists, 70% trust relatives and acquaintances. Much fewer trust TV (28%), the Internet (26%), the press (22%) or radio (19%). 15% trust folk healers, especially older people.
When choosing a medical facility, 58% value doctors’ professionalism, 48% trust in doctors, 39% good attitudes toward patients, and 29% modern equipment. Comfort, benefits, and speed of service are less important. Villagers and younger and wealthier respondents value professionalism and attitudes more; equipment matters more to youth; comfort matters more to urban and wealthier groups; benefits matter more to poorer and older people; speed matters more to wealthier groups.
Blood pressure is measured daily by 15%, monthly by 26%, quarterly or semi-annually by 29%, yearly by 10%, and less often by 16%.
One third never had blood-pressure problems, while others experience them with varying frequency, more often among women, older people, poorer respondents, and those under stress.
Body weight is measured daily by 14%, monthly by 24%, quarterly or semi-annually by 30%, yearly by 13%, and less often by 16%.
ECGs are done less than once a year by 35%, annually by 35%, semi-annually by 16%, more often by small shares, more often by women and older people.
Blood sugar is checked less than annually by 35%, yearly by 25%, more often by women and older people.
Cholesterol is checked less than annually by 37%, yearly by 19%, more often by women and older people.
45% never sought cardiovascular care; those who did recently are more often urban, female, older, and poorer.
More than half do not take blood-pressure medication; among those with regular pressure problems, two thirds do.
When pressure problems occur, one third self-medicate, one third follow doctors’ prescriptions, others seek doctors or folk remedies.
79% walk outdoors daily.
43% eat fresh fruits and vegetables daily.
About one third eat meat daily.
One third eat sweets daily.
18% eat fried/fatty food daily.
10% drink soda daily.
47% drink alcohol monthly or less; 22% never drink.
14% exercise daily; 28% never exercise.
74% do not smoke.
Stress is experienced daily by 7%, weekly by nearly 20%, monthly by 43%, never by one third.
28% rate cardiovascular care in their locality positively, 25% negatively. District centers have the worst ratings.
About one quarter rate oblast-level care positively.
One third go to local hospitals, 16% to the Rivne regional hospital, 11% to the Polischuk center, 9% to family doctors.
Nearly half believe there are not enough cardiovascular facilities in their area.
91% agree excess weight affects cardiovascular disease; 63% know 140/90 is high blood pressure.
Most agree that not smoking, moderate alcohol, healthy diet, weight control, sports, and checkups are important.
79% get medical information from doctors; 39% from family; one third from pharmacists.
Most do not know about the World Bank–MoH project; 73% consider it important.
Half believe the project will improve the situation.
47% believe healthcare will improve in the next 1–2 years.

Methodology

Respondents: residents of Rivne aged 18 and older. The sample is representative in terms of age, sex and place of residence.
Total sample: 800 respondents.
Personal formalized interview (face-to-face).
The margin of error does not exceed 3,5%.
Fieldwork dates: 21-30 December 2016

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