The impact of demographic variables on the evaluation of primary health care services across different socioeconomic levels

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine how individuals evaluate primary healthcare services and to examine the impact of demographic characteristics on these evaluations. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2024 and June 2025 in two Family Health Center (FHC) regions with different socioeconomic levels in the province of Muş. A total of 748 individuals were included in the study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the Socio-Demographic Characteristics Information Form and the Primary Health Care Assessment Tool. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, and correlation analyses. Results: The mean age of the participants was 39.73±16.32. According to demographic characteristics, men scored significantly higher in the Cultural Competence sub-dimension (p=0.002), while women scored higher in the Service Coordination sub-dimension (p=0.012). The mean scores for Primary Health Care and Extended Primary Health Care were significantly higher among individuals with lower education levels, those without social security, and those whose income was lower than their expenses (p<0.05). Participants with chronic diseases had higher scores in the First Contact-Utilization, Accessibility, Provided Services, and Family-Centered Care dimensions. Married individuals scored higher in Accessibility, Available Services, and Community Orientation and Participation. Single individuals scored higher in Record/Information Coordination. Participants from the Güzeltepe FHC region (lower socioeconomic level) had significantly higher scores in First Contact-Utilization, Accessibility, and overall scores compared to those from the Central 1st Numbered Family Health Center. Conclusion: The findings indicate that demographic factors and regional socioeconomic differences have a statistically significant effect on the perception and evaluation of primary health care services. Keywords: Health services, Primary health care, Public health nursing, Service evaluation