Background and objective:
Traditional electronic health records generally lack information on determinants of health, which is crucial for operationalizing the PHC system effectively. This study aimed to determine the demographic and housing characteristics of the rural population of Shamakhi, a mountainous region of Azerbaijan, where the WHO country office has implemented a PHC demonstration project.

Methods:
A de facto census survey was carried out in 58 villages and 4 towns using a survey tool including demographic and housing characteristics. No sample selection was made and all residential dwellings were visited.

Results:
According to the 2022 Azerbaijan Population Report, the registered population of Shamakhi is 108100 [rural population= 57300 (63,0%)]. The population calculated from the survey is 26854 [12630 (47,74%) females, 13826 (52,26%) males]. The age dependency ratio is 48% (34% young age, 15% old age dependency). The gender parity index for the 15-24 age literacy rate is 1.0, while higher education attainment of 25-64 ages is 4,5% (2,9% for women, 5,9% for men). The unemployment rate for 15-64 ages is 9,75%, which is higher than Azerbaijans total (6,0%). Although Mandatory Health Insurance covers all citizens, 33,8% of the rural population is uninsured. In Shamakhi, safe drinking water is accessible at home in 19 villages and closed tanks are utilized for sewage disposal in 30 villages.

Conclusion:
The difference between the official reports and the census is attributed to a lack of mandatory notification of address changes. The sharp decline in the 0-4 age population and a sharp increase in >80 ages indicate problems in birth and death registrations. These emphasize a demographic and health surveillance system needwithin PHC. Study results conjured up that PHC services are not only about patient care. Health promotion and disease prevention strategies including health education and intersectoral collaboration are of priorities in Shamakhi.