HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR AND ITS DETERMINANTS AMONG ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS IN A RURAL AREA OF SONITPUR DISTRICT, ASSAM: A COMMUNITY-BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Main Article Content
Keywords
Elderly; Health-seeking behaviour; Rural health; Accessibility; Community health; Assam
Abstract
India is undergoing demographic transition with a rising elderly population, particularly in rural areas where healthcare access is constrained. Understanding health-seeking behaviour (HSB) among elderly individuals is essential for strengthening geriatric care services. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of HSB among elderly residents in rural Sonitpur district, Assam.
Material and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 272 elderly individuals (≥60 years) selected through multistage random sampling. Data were collected using a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire. HSB was categorized as appropriate or inappropriate based on predefined criteria. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27. Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression were used, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The mean age of participants was 68.9 years; 54% were females. Appropriate HSB was observed in 61.4% of participants, while 38.6% exhibited inappropriate HSB. Independent predictors of inappropriate HSB included illiteracy (aOR 1.92; 95% CI: 1.10–3.33), low socioeconomic status (aOR 2.47; 95% CI: 1.40–4.30), absence of health insurance (aOR 2.21; 95% CI: 1.25–3.92), distance to health facility >3 km (aOR 1.74; 95% CI: 1.01–2.98), and lack of community health worker contact (aOR 1.89; 95% CI: 1.10–3.23).
Conclusion: A considerable proportion of elderly individuals demonstrated inappropriate HSB. Strengthening health literacy, improving financial protection, enhancing accessibility, and reinforcing community-based geriatric outreach services are essential to improve healthcare utilization among the rural elderly.
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Dr. Indraneel Roy
Postgraduate Student, Dept of Community Medicine, Tezpur Medical College, Assam
Dr. Rupali Baruah
Professor and Head, Dept of Community Medicine, Tezpur Medical College, Assam
Dr. Preety Doley
Assistant Professor, Dept of Community Medicine, Tezpur Medical College, Assam
Dr. Bidisha Hazarika
Assistant Professor, Dept of Community Medicine, Tezpur Medical College, Assam
