An Investigation of Awareness, Utilization, Satisfaction, and Barriers in Home Health Care Services

Vollständiger Abstract

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Objective: This study aimed to determine awareness, knowledge, service utilization, satisfaction, general opinions, and perceived barriers regarding home health care services among adults attending a family medicine outpatient clinic.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 153 adults who applied to a Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic between February 15 and April 30, 2026. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire developed by the researchers. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, awareness and knowledge of home health care services, service use and satisfaction, general opinions, and perceived barriers.Results: The mean age of participants was 57.88±15.76 years, and 62.7% were female. Although 80.4% had previously heard of home health care services, practical knowledge about eligibility, service scope, and application procedures was limited. Overall, 52.9% did not know how to apply, and 60.8% had never used these services. Among service users, 33.3% reported being very satisfied, and 55.0% stated that the services met their needs. General opinion differed significantly by educational status and previous service use (χ²=8.151, p=0.017; χ²=7.003, p=0.008, respectively). Perceived barrier status differed significantly by age group and educational status (χ²=5.076, p=0.024; χ²=6.302, p=0.043, respectively). High perceived barriers were more common among older and less educated participants.Conclusion: Although awareness of home health care services is high among adult individuals, practical knowledge about application procedures and service scope is limited. Simplifying application procedures, increasing standardized information, and strengthening guidance for vulnerable groups may improve service utilization.