Extent of Utilization of Healthcare Services and Challenges Among Residents of Barangay Bus-Bus, Jolo, Sulu

This quantitative descriptive-comparative study assessed the extent of healthcare service utilization and the challenges influencing healthcare utilization among residents of Barangay Bus-Bus, Jolo, Sulu. Specifically, the study examined the utilization of maternal and child health services and general medical consultation and screening services, as well as the significant differences in healthcare utilization when respondents were grouped according to selected demographic characteristics. A total of 381 residents participated in the study through a structured and validated researcher-made questionnaire. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The findings revealed that maternal and child health services were highly utilized, particularly antenatal care, prenatal visits, childhood immunization, and nutrition services, demonstrating the effectiveness of primary healthcare programs at the Barangay Health Station. In contrast, general medical consultation and preventive screening services were only moderately utilized, with lower participation in diabetes screening, communicable and non-communicable disease screening, and chronic disease consultations. Healthcare utilization differed significantly by age, gender, marital status, educational attainment, and socioeconomic status, indicating that demographic characteristics influence health-seeking behavior. Respondents also reported moderate challenges affecting healthcare utilization, with financial constraints, long waiting times, limited healthcare resources, and cultural beliefs being the most prominent barriers. The study concludes that while primary healthcare services, particularly maternal and child health programs, are effectively utilized, preventive healthcare services require greater promotion and accessibility. Strengthening health education, improving preventive healthcare programs, increasing resource availability, and implementing culturally responsive interventions are recommended to enhance healthcare utilization and support the achievement of Universal Health Care at the community level.