22.12.2017
The state of medical sphere in Rivne region: November 2017
- According to a survey conducted by Rating Group, at least two thirds of respondents (63%) are dissatisfied with state-provided medical services over the past five years. Compared to the previous year, the share of dissatisfied respondents has slightly increased, from 59% to 63. At the same time, 26% say they are satisfied with public healthcare services, which is lower than a year earlier (32%). Satisfaction with these services is somewhat higher among urban residents than among rural ones.
- Only 18% of respondents believe that the overall quality of public medical services in their region has improved over the past two years, while 15% say the quality of services they personally received has improved. Compared to last year, the share of positive evaluations has fallen by nearly one third, while the number of those who saw no changes has increased to 41% and 46% respectively. Urban residents are more likely than rural residents to report positive changes. The frequency of doctor visits also affects perceptions: the more often people seek medical care, the better they tend to rate healthcare services.
- Over the past year, there has been a slight increase in the number of respondents who positively assess the performance of public medical institutions: 42% now evaluate the quality of services positively, while 46% evaluate it negatively. The most favorable assessments come from urban residents, people under 35, those with children under 18, and wealthier respondents.
- At the same time, nearly 40% of respondents were unable to evaluate the quality of services in private healthcare facilities at all. Among those who could, 48% rated them positively and 13% negatively. Younger people, wealthier respondents, and city residents are more inclined to view private healthcare positively.
- Thirty-five percent of respondents reported having witnessed reconstruction or renovation of hospitals over the past two years, while 46% said they had not. Reports of hospital upgrades were significantly more common among those who visit doctors more frequently.
- Thirty-five percent of respondents are aware that laws have been adopted to launch healthcare reform next year, while 49% have at least heard about it. Only 15% say they know nothing about the reform. Awareness is higher among city residents, older people, women, and those with higher education.
- Thirty-three percent support the introduction of healthcare reform in Ukraine, while 39% oppose it and 28% are undecided. Support is higher among young people, men, those with higher education, and those who are informed about the reform.
- Only 22% are confident that healthcare reform will improve the healthcare system over the next two years, while 26% believe the situation will worsen and 34% expect no change. Compared to the previous year, the share of optimistic respondents has fallen by half. People over 50 are the most pessimistic. In the longer term (five to ten years), expectations are more positive: 35% expect improvement, 19% deterioration, and 23% no change, while 23% are unsure. Young people and those with higher education are the most optimistic, and one quarter of those who expect no change in the short term still believe the situation will improve in the long run.
- Thirty percent of respondents consult a doctor or medical specialist less than once a year, one quarter do so once a year or every six months, 15% at least once every three months, and only 4% consult a doctor monthly.
- A majority of respondents (58%) know who their family doctor or therapist is. Awareness is higher among women and older people. More than half of all respondents (53%) fully or partially trust their family doctor, with women and older respondents showing more trust. Among those who know their family doctor, 80% trust them.
- Seventy-eight percent believe it is necessary to consult a doctor before starting treatment. For 43% of respondents the treatment plan provided by a doctor is usually clear, and for 39% it is partly clear. Urban residents, women, those who know their doctor, and those who visit medical facilities more often are more likely to understand their prescriptions.
- Sixty-six percent of respondents fully or partially follow their doctor’s prescriptions after a consultation, while 9% make their own decisions regardless of medical advice and 5% seek a second opinion. Women are more likely than men to follow doctors’ recommendations. Compliance is much higher among those who know their doctor and especially among those who trust them.
- Most respondents trust medical professionals’ advice (87%), as well as pharmacists (71%) and relatives or acquaintances (70%). Far fewer trust information from television, the internet, newspapers, or radio. Sixteen percent trust advice from folk healers or fortune-tellers, particularly in cities and among older people, while younger respondents are more inclined to trust information from relatives and the internet.
- When choosing a healthcare facility, 51% value doctors’ professionalism and experience most, 49% trust in the doctors working there, 32% good treatment of patients by staff, and 24% modern equipment. Twenty-four percent also consider the availability of subsidized services, a figure that has grown markedly. Younger and wealthier people focus more on doctors’ professionalism and attitude, urban residents on modern equipment and speed of service, while older and low-income respondents prioritize access to benefits.
- Patterns of self-monitoring show that 15% measure their blood pressure daily, 28% several times a month, and 21% less than once a year. One third of respondents have never had blood pressure problems, while 25% experience them several times a month and 6% daily. Problems are more common among women, older people, the poor, and those under stress.
- Only 4% weigh themselves daily, while younger people and women do so more often than men and older people. Almost 40% have an ECG less than once a year, and those with blood pressure problems or frequent doctor visits are more likely to have it done. Nearly half check blood sugar and cholesterol less than once a year.
- Almost half of respondents have never sought treatment for cardiovascular diseases, while others have done so recently or in the past, more often in cities, among women, and among older people. Sixty percent do not take medication for blood pressure, and almost 90% do not take medication for blood sugar or cholesterol. Among those who have regular blood pressure problems, two thirds take blood pressure medication.
- When blood pressure problems occur, one third take doctor-prescribed medicine, 27% rely on their own experience, 11% use traditional remedies, and 11% see a doctor immediately. Half say their last blood pressure reading was normal, and two thirds report normal sugar and cholesterol levels.
- Most respondents walk outdoors daily and consume fresh fruits and vegetables frequently, though many also regularly eat meat, sweets, fried and fatty foods, and sugary drinks. Alcohol consumption is generally moderate, with nearly half drinking once a month or less and almost one quarter abstaining entirely. Only 15% exercise daily, while 42% do not exercise at all. Three quarters do not smoke, though smoking is much more common among young people and men.
- Most respondents recognize the health risks of excess weight and high blood pressure and agree that healthy eating, not smoking, moderate alcohol use, physical activity, and preventive checkups are essential for preventing cardiovascular disease. Information about prevention is most often received from television, doctors, and medical facilities, although nearly half report not receiving any such information recently.
- Thirty-seven percent rate cardiovascular care in their locality positively, while 13% rate it negatively and nearly half have never used such services. Urban residents, older people, and frequent patients give better ratings. Most people do not seek such care outside their home city.
- In case of cardiovascular problems, most people turn to district or city hospitals, followed by regional hospitals, clinics, or family doctors. District hospitals receive the highest quality ratings, followed by the Rivne Regional Clinical Hospital and local clinics. Nearly half of respondents believe there are too few facilities for treating cardiovascular disease, especially in rural areas.
- Most respondents are unaware that Rivne Oblast participates in a World Bank and Ministry of Health project to improve cardiovascular care, although the majority consider the project important and many expect it to improve the situation.
- Most respondents obtain medical information from doctors, followed by family and friends, pharmacists, and television, with far fewer relying on the internet or other sources.
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: 15-30 November 2017
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