Self-referral and associated factors among patients attending adult outpatient departments in Debre tabor general hospital, North West Ethiopia

Abstract

Plain English summary An effective referral linkage is an integral component of a successful health care system for quality health service. Many developing countries have policies regarding referral system while transforming referral policies into practice between primary health care (PHC) facilities and higher-level facilities is challenging. This study was trying to answer the magnitude and factor associated with self-referral through structured interview questionnaires. The participants were asked about their socio-demographic characteristics, institutional related characteristics. There were 690 participants in this study. This study showed that the magnitude of self-referral was 63.9%. Educational status, knowledge about referral system, availability of medication in the nearby PHC facilities, enrollment to CBHI and history of visiting general hospital were factors significantly associated with self-referral. In conclusion, the proportion of self-referral was low compared to the Ethiopian health sector transformation plan 2015/16–20. Educational status, knowledge about referral system, availability of medication in the nearby PHC facilities, enrollment to CBHI and history of visiting general hospital were associated with self-referral. Policy action will be required to further improve ANC service utilization.

Keywords

• Self-referral
• Referral system and Ethiopia