Perception of Medical Superintendents of Public Hospitals regarding Factors Affecting Health in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to know the leading responsible factors affecting health in the Punjab province. METHODS: The universe of the study was all Teaching, District Headquarters (DHQs) and Tehsil Headquarter (THQs) hospitals in the province. The Sample size was taken 30 percent by using stratified-random sampling method. Strata's were made on the basis of the category of hospitals i.e teaching, DHQ and THQ hospitals. Out of total 23 teaching hospitals, 7 (30%), out of 34 DHQs, 10 (30%) and out of 88 THQs, 26 (30%) hospitals were selected randomly by using lottery method. Medical Superintendents/ heads of all selected hospitals were interviewed by using interview schedule. RESULTS: 29/43 (67.4%) experts considered social factors, 10/43 (23.2%) economic whereas 04/43 (9.3%) experts believed that psychological factors effected health in the province. Major social factors given were unsafe drinking water, wide spread pollution, lack of awareness about hygiene & Infectious or communicable diseases, unhygienic conditions at home & environment, poor sanitation system and life style & behavioral choices. Poverty/ low per capita income, high inflation rate and high prices of medicines have been considered as economic factors whereas depression, anxiety and aggression were enumerated as prevailing psychological factors affecting health by the experts. CONCLUSION: Social factors were found as leading responsible factors affecting health in the Punjab province. Social factors were further originating economic as well as psychological issues which affect health.