Awareness and Utilization of Primary Health Centre Services among Rural Population: A Review Based on Available Literature

Abstract

Introduction: Health is the best condition for happiness and progress in the life of an individual as well as
a community. Primary Health Centre (PHC) is the most essential constituent of Community Health Care
System as it is the first point of connection between civilian and the Community Health System. This paper
aims to assess the awareness and utilization of PHC services among rural population.
Method: A comprehensive systematic session of published literature and journal articles from Pub-Med
and EBSCOHOST databases was done that are focusing from 2010 to 2017. Search strategy specific to each
databases was used.
Result: Out of seven articles, four research studies revealed that the majority of respondents were aware
about the presence of PHC services in their area, one research study found that there was lack of awareness
about PHC services, five research studies found that there was low utilization of PHC services, one research
study revealed that utilization of PHC services is better for preventive and promotive care and one research
study finding revealed that the utilization of PHCs service was adequate.
Conclusion: The study concluded that there is an imperative need to raise awareness amongst the rural
population regarding health services provided by PHC through IEC activities to enhance the service
utilization by the community through their participation.