Background. The primary preventive services of TSeKaP promote disease prevention among marginalized groups. The threat of non-utilization, however, undermines the effective implementation of the program. To fill in the knowledge gap regarding utilization of primary preventive services, rate of utilization and factors associated with utilization of primary preventive services must be determined.

Objective. To determine the rate of utilization and the association of selected factors with utilization of primary
preventive services of TSeKaP among PhilHealth Indigent Member of Manila.

Methods. Using a two-stage cluster sampling, 145 PhilHealth Indigent Members were randomly selected and
interviewed. Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used to determine associations. FGDs were also conducted to gather reasons related to utilization.

Results and Conclusion. Among those surveyed, 68.28% were found to have utilized at least one primary
preventive service. Age (p-value=0.021), knowledge (p-value=0.015), familiarity (p-value=0.029), and accessibility (p-value=0.013) were found to be associated with utilization. Utilization generally increases as age group increases. Those with satisfactory knowledge on TSeKaP, those familiar with their health center, and those who report that their health center is accessible were 1.45 times, 2.12 times and 2.83 times more likely to utilize than their counterpart, respectively. Results showing a significant proportion of non-utilization emphasize the need to improve implementation strategies by improving not only the knowledge of respondents’ on TSeKaP but also their familiarity with their health centers. The use of various communication channels, such as barangay bulletin, public address system, radio or television, may aid the dissemination of pertinent information regarding the program as perceived by the respondents.

Acta Medica Philippina, 2018 52 (3) pages 245-252