Healthcare utilization among community members reporting respiratory, diarrheal or febrile syndromic illness in the Western Highlands of Guatemala

Abstract Introduction: Healthcare utilization surveys describe patterns of healthcare use based on patient needs and experiences and are provide information on potential barriers to accessing care. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional community survey to better understand factors driving health-seeking behaviors among participants reporting respiratory, diarrheal or febrile syndromic illness in the western highlands of Guatemala. Findings: Among participants, 16% (157/981) reported syndromic illness with approximately equal proportions reporting ≥1 febrile, diarrheal or influenza-like illness event within 30 days of enrollment. Participants were more likely to seek healthcare if they had influenza-like illness, or if they had higher wealth scores (OR: 8.25, P < 0.01 and OR:1.55, P = 0.03, respectively). Interpretation: The significant association between reported influenza-like illness and healthcare seeking behavior may indicate a greater awareness of risks associated with untreated respiratory illness compared to symptoms related to diarrhea and fever. Higher wealth among health-seeking participants suggests that economic disparities may influence healthcare utilization. These findings may be used to address potential barriers to accessing care in this region.