Health-seeking behaviour (HSB) is one of the core determinants of public health, as it determines people's utilisation of services provided in the health sector. This chapter starts by discussing what HSB is, its importance in Hong Kong, and factors that influence it, such as socioeconomic status, culture, and perceived availability. It also describes the information and education in public health, reflecting people's perception and response to healthcare in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The synthesis work identifies the phenomenon trends of HSB in present-day Hong Kong, focusing on primary care and community-based healthcare solutions. Socioeconomic factors, health literacy, and cultural perception are barriers to health-seeking behaviour, especially among vulnerable groups. On the other hand, factors such as community health programmes and increased access to healthcare services increase healthcare utilisation. The chapter outlines specific policy solutions for HSB advancement, such as discovering the barriers and players, primary care reinforcement, and system navigation programmes, as well as eHealth literacy, which postulates that everyone should be equipped with the tools necessary to make informed health choices. Lastly, the chapter seeks to shift health policies that make healthcare affordable and promote early interventions. Through these suggestions, the health of the people of Hong Kong will improve since they will take the right steps towards a healthier future.

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Health Seeking Behaviour in Primary Care

  • Chesney P. Y. Wong,
  • Fiona C. M. Yuen

摘要

Health-seeking behaviour (HSB) is one of the core determinants of public health, as it determines people's utilisation of services provided in the health sector. This chapter starts by discussing what HSB is, its importance in Hong Kong, and factors that influence it, such as socioeconomic status, culture, and perceived availability. It also describes the information and education in public health, reflecting people's perception and response to healthcare in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The synthesis work identifies the phenomenon trends of HSB in present-day Hong Kong, focusing on primary care and community-based healthcare solutions. Socioeconomic factors, health literacy, and cultural perception are barriers to health-seeking behaviour, especially among vulnerable groups. On the other hand, factors such as community health programmes and increased access to healthcare services increase healthcare utilisation. The chapter outlines specific policy solutions for HSB advancement, such as discovering the barriers and players, primary care reinforcement, and system navigation programmes, as well as eHealth literacy, which postulates that everyone should be equipped with the tools necessary to make informed health choices. Lastly, the chapter seeks to shift health policies that make healthcare affordable and promote early interventions. Through these suggestions, the health of the people of Hong Kong will improve since they will take the right steps towards a healthier future.