Utilization Review of Specialized Services and Underlying Social Factors among Urban Families in Fars Province, Iran.

BACKGROUND The present study is a utilization review of outpatient services offered by specialists and underlying social factors among urban families in Fars Province, Iran. METHODS The present study conducted among 1900 residents in urban areas of Fars Province in January 2013. Sampling was carried out through a three-step method, which was designed based on utilization of health services survey. Data were analyzed using statistical tests. RESULTS About a quarter of the sample group expressed the need for outpatient services of specialists, of whom about 83% received medical attention of a specialist. Among the main reasons for not referring to specialists were financial issues as the top reason followed by refusal to visit the physician, long distances and high costs of the services. CONCLUSION About 17% of the participants who needed outpatient services of specialists failed to receive the service. This indicates the necessity of measurements to improve the access to outpatient services of specialists among different social groups.