Health care for the disadvantaged: some preliminary observations of health centres in Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract

This study seeks to identify background characteristics of the people who utilise health centre services in Trinidad and Tobago and to investigate their perceptions of the services offered. Data were obtained through a survey of health centre users distributed throughout Trinidad and Tobago. Multi-stage sampling was used to select 1500 health centre users and structured interviews were conducted on regular clinic days by trained personnel. Results indicate that there are fairly high levels of patient satisfaction with health centres in Trinidad and Tobago and that the more disadvantaged groups (the elderly, women and the unemployed) utilise these services more frequently. Results also show variations with respect to care received, frequency of attendance, amount willing to pay, services that need improving and doctor's willingness to listen to problems.