Survey of a Bekaa community health needs.

Rural underserved areas can benefit from private and non governmental organizations in improving health delivery. Many such organizations operate in the underserved Bekaa area in Lebanon. This study aimed to assess the nature, scope, utilization and satisfaction with health services available to the population living in the vicinity of the American University of Beirut Agricultural Research and Education Center in Bekaa. A random sample from the residents of the area (475 individuals) and all physicians and representatives of health delivery institutions serving this population were interviewed. Individuals interviewed reported 3.7 health related visits/person/year, 65% vaccination rate and 34.1% labeled available services as poor. Interviewed physicians and health institution administrators identified the study area priority needs as nurses, emergency transport units and primary care centers. Systematic evaluation and priority setting of the health needs of this population are necessary and the establishment of health centers should be strongly considered.