Health-seeking behaviour of elderly individuals: A community-based cross-sectional study.
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Date
2015-07
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Abstract
Background. The health-seeking behaviour of elderly
individuals can help in ascertaining the determinants and in
developing appropriate policies for their healthcare.
Methods. In this community-based cross-sectional study,
we included 250 elderly persons above 60 years of age living
in the urban field practice area of Shri Vasantrao Naik
Government Medical College, Yavatmal, Maharashtra. We
used a structured proforma to collect information about their
health-seeking behaviour.
Results. Overall, 48% of the study subjects chose an
allopathic practitioner. The difference in the health-seeking
behaviour for self-treatment, treatment from traditional healers
and paraprofessionals as one group and allopathic treatment as
another group was significant for the determinants of age
(p<0.001), educational level (p<0.0001) and poverty
status (p=0.0007) and registration under any government
scheme (p=0.0446). The average expenditure on health was
significantly more among those who were above 75 years of
age, employed, educated and above the poverty line,
irrespective of gender.
Conclusion. Elderly persons who prefer allopathic treatment
are likely to be above 75 years of age, those having some
education and those above poverty line.
Natl Med J India 2015;28:181–4
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Patle Rupali A., Khakse Gautam M. Health-seeking behaviour of elderly individuals: A community-based cross-sectional study. National Medical Journal of India. 2015 Jul-Aug; 28(4): 181-184.