The Satisfaction with Use of Health Insurance Rights of People of Working Age in Samut Songkhram Province

Abstract

The right to health care in Thailand is a legal entitlement aimed at ensuring comprehensive and effective access to public health services. However, challenges such as public unawareness of their rights and dissatisfaction with the health care system persist. Issues within agencies and service providers, such as personnel and budget shortages, low morale, and unfair remuneration, further hinder the system's effectiveness. Additionally, unequal distribution of budget expenditure affects the quality of services received. A survey study was conducted in Samut Songkhram Province, involving a sample of 399 individuals aged 15 to 59 years. Data analysis involved statistical measures like frequency, percentage, average, standard deviation, Pearson correlation coefficient, and chi-square. Satisfaction in exercising health care rights was found to be at a moderate level, with an average score of 3.17. Personal data, including work duration, working hours, family size, monthly income, occupation, religion, education level, and current workplace, showed a significant relationship with satisfaction in exercising health care rights. However, factors such as age, sex, and underlying disease did not demonstrate a significant association. The study highlighted a moderate-level relationship between education level, current workplace, and satisfaction in exercising health care rights. Despite the legal importance of health care rights, there are still prevalent problems causing distress for both service providers and recipients. Therefore, it is crucial for those involved in health care provision to expedite care and assistance across various fields, enhancing service quality and meeting the needs of users. By doing so, service recipients can experience satisfaction and improved quality of life. Furthermore, it is advisable to conduct comprehensive research on long-term health care utilization to obtain more in-depth insights. The right to health care in Thailand is a legal entitlement that aims to provide accessible public health services for the well-being and livelihood of the population. However, challenges remain, including public unawareness, system inefficiencies, and disparities in resources. Efforts should focus on improving service quality, addressing user needs, and ensuring overall satisfaction. Future research should also examine long-term health care utilization for a more comprehensive understanding of the topic.