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Background Tuberculosis is the most common complication of pneumoconiosis, which accelerates the progression of pneumoconiosis. Pneumoconiosis combined with tuberculosis is a major health risk. Objective To understand the outpatient health service utilization for patients of pneumoconiosis combined with tuberculosis and its main influencing factors. Methods A stratified random sampling combined with non-random sampling was used to select 11181 pneumoconiosis patients in 27 provincial administrative regions (excluding Shanghai, Tianjin, Hainan, Tibet Autonomous Region, Taiwan, Hongkong and Macao Special Administrative Regions) from December 2017 to June 2021. A self-constructed questionnaire, i.e. Health Seeking Behaviors of Pneumoconiosis Patients and Their Influencing Factors, was used, which included basic information, outpatient and inpatient service utilization, and influencing factors of medical treatment behaviors of pneumoconiosis patients. The effective recovery rate of the questionnaire was 90.7%. All patients of pneumoconiosis combined with tuberculosis (n=762) were included as the study subjects. The difference of outpatient utilization in the past two weeks, choosing medical institutions, and the reasons of not seeking medical treatment between urban and rural areas, and the influencing factors of outpatient service utilization were analyzed. Results The study subjects were mainly silicosis combined with tuberculosis (502 cases, 65.9%) and coal workers' pneumoconiosis combined with tuberculosis (232 cases, 30.5%), aged (58.6±12.5) years old. The main region was Western China (45.1%), followed by Eastern China (22.1%), Centeral China (20.2%), and Northeastern China (12.6%). The outpatient utilization rate in the past two weeks was 38.5% (293/762), and the main medical institutions consulted were municipal or provincial hospitals (32.0%), district or county hospitals (28.6%), and township hospitals or health service centers (17.5%). Short distance (20.7%), the availability of specialist outpatient services (16.7%), high level of medical care (14.8%), and low medical cost (12.3%) were the main reasons in choosing medical institutions. Higher proportion of patients seeking medical services due to acute exacerbation in rural areas was reported than in urban areas in the past two weeks (P<0.01). In addition to being hospitalized (113 cases, 41.4%) and self-purchasing medicine (46 cases, 16.8%), the reasons for not seeking medical treatment were self-perceived mild symptoms (15.0%) and high medical cost without reimbursement (9.5%). The multiple regression results showed that outpatient rate for patients of pneumoconiosis combined with tuberculosis in the western region was higher than that in the eastern region (OR=1.66, 95%CI: 1.03, 2.68); patients with an annual personal income of 10000-35500 yuan had a higher outpatient rate than the > 35500 yuan income group (OR=2.54, 95%CI: 1.49, 4.36); the outpatient rate of silicosis patients was higher than that of coal workers' pneumoconiosis (OR=1.83, 95%CI: 1.23, 2.72); the outpatient rate of patients with clinically diagnosed cases (no classified stage of pneumoconiosis) was higher than that of patients with stage I pneumoconiosis (OR=2.32, 95%CI: 1.24, 4.31). Exacerbation of pneumoconiosis-related symptoms in past two weeks (OR=4.26, 95%CI: 2.89, 6.28), occupational injury insurance (OR=0.49, 95%CI: 0.30, 0.80), and hospitalization in past one year (OR=2.37, 95%CI: 1.41, 3.97) were the main factors influencing the outpatient health service utilization among patients of pneumoconiosis combined with tuberculosis. Conclusion The outpatient rate of patients of pneumoconiosis combined with tuberculosis is higher than that of patients of pneumoconiosis without tuberculosis. The utilization of outpatient services is related with disease factors and socio-economic security factors.
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Background: Under 5yrs mortality rates among male child is 30 and among female is 26 and overall infant mortality rate 24 per thousand respectively; these are the most vulnerable groups to different morbidity and mortality, and they ought to be fully dependent on parental knowledge and awareness to meet their health needs. Health seeking behavior (HSB) has become a tool for understanding the approach of people towards the health care systems in their respective socio-economic, cultural and demographic circumstances. A Community based Methods: descriptive study among “Tharu” ethnic women with children less than ?ve years of age in Triyuga Municipality, Nepal. Semi- structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information,, knowledge and current practice regarding health seeking behavior, including awareness and accessibility of health services. Among 406 respondents, 388 of Results: their children were reported ill within last 1 year, with fever accounting for 70%, followed by ARI (65%), diarrhea (6%) and others. Where 52.8% of respondents had appropriate HSB, taking their ill children to hospitals. More than 52% of respondents had hospitals as the ?rst preference for treatment for every morbidity. Except for access to health care facility, there was no signi?cant association of HSB was seen with parent's literacy,income, gender preference. With satisfactory Conclusion: awareness, literacy, and accessibility of health care centers, the HSB among tharu women, for the children morbidity seemed to be satisfactory in comparison to national scenario and other marginalized groups
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Background@#Ischemic Heart Disease is a chronic, progressive, and dynamic disease. It remains to be the number one cause of mortality globally and in the Philippines. Patients with IHD belong to the vulnerable group both before and during the COVID 19 pandemic. Currently, there have been changes in the healthcare system leading to decreased delivery of services such as outpatient care and development of medical care avoidance affecting patients’ clinical outcomes.@*Objectives@#This study aimed to determine if there are any changes in the health seeking behavior of these patients during the pandemic in a single tertiary hospital.@*Methods@#Descriptive and analytical cross-sectional design was used. Majority of the population were 60 years old and above, female, unemployed, non-smokers, diagnosed with IHD for 5 years, with hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus as co-morbidities.@*Results@#It was shown that majority did not have any change in the frequency of consultation with their cardiologists and majority preferred face-to-face consultation. For those who had decreased frequency of consultation, their reasons include fear of contracting COVID-19, lockdown and travel restrictions, limited number of patients catered at the clinic and lack of finances. Majority remained to be compliant with their maintenance medications and claimed to be willing to seek consult if they will experience severe symptom such as chest pain. For those who were not willing to go to the hospital despite having severe symptoms, the following were their reasons: fear of going out due to COVID 19, symptoms were tolerable and were not considered emergency and hospitals were in full capacity. Majority were not admitted in the hospital but those who were not admitted had less frequent consultation with their cardiologists. Despite the COVID threat, majority still agreed that constant follow-up with their cardiologist is of paramount importance.
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Myocardial Ischemia , COVID-19ABSTRACT
Introduction: Of the total population, elderly people comprised of 8.14% in India where in India or globally. Main challenges faced by the elderly in our country are feminization, ruralisation, migration, and an increasing number of 80?plus adults. This sudden change of environment or being left stranded alone unattended or being dependent on children for their necessities is a major cause of mental illnesses. Objectives: To study the socio?demographic profile, find out the different morbidities and assess the health?seeking behaviour of the study subjects. Materials and Methods: A community?based cross?sectional study was conducted in the field practice area of urban health and training center using the simple random sampling method. Results: The mean age of study subjects was 67.58 ± 6.53 years. Majority of participants, i.e., 308 (73.0%) were young old. 207 (49.1%) were illiterate, 272 (64.5%) unemployed 272 (64.5%) and 224 (53.1%) were living with their children, i.e., 224 (53.1%). Inappropriate health?seeking behavior was significantly associated with under?weight (P < 0.001) which accounted for 2/3rd of participants. Severe depression was observed among 59.5% participants. Females showed a higher proportion of myalgia (5.7%), whereas males showed preponderance of upper respiratory tract diseases (19.2%). The prevalence of inappropriate health?seeking behavior was higher in females (65.1%). The proportion of the elderly with poor health?seeking behavior was found to be 50.4%. Conclusion: Morbidity among the elderly is very high and health?seeking behavior is very poor. Hence, strong efforts are needed to provide them holistic care. Hence, this study was conducted to threw some light on health status of the elderly, their morbidity pattern and health?seeking behavior. It will help the policy-makers to prepare the intervention strategies at the community level.
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Background: World report on vision makes integrated people-centered eye care as care model of choice. Integrating eye care with the existing public health system makes services available, accessible, affordable, and sustainable. Being from the community, Accredited Social Health Activists(ASHAs) are better suited to improve people’s eye health-seeking behavior. Objectives: This study aims to assess the eye care-seeking behavior of community and to understand their response toward the approach of integrated vision centers (VC) with ASHA involvement. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in South Delhi district where integrated VC were functional for more than a year. These centers were supervised by medical officer in?charge, under whom ophthalmic assistants, ASHAs, auxiliary nurse midwives, and pharmacist work. ASHAs were trained in community-based primary eye care. The community survey was conducted on eye health-seeking behavior and utilization of VC services. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results: Out of 1571 study participants, 998 reported any ophthalmic illness in family in the past 6 months as against 1302 who reported nonophthalmic illness in family. The majority (1461, 90%) were aware about integrated VC and half of them (748, 51.2%) visited it. Of them, 64.2% were motivated through ASHAs. ASHAs spread awareness about eye diseases, eye treatment facility, and referred patients from the community. The majority (93%) were happy with the integrated VC and 87.8% were happy with ASHAs. Conclusion: Integrated VC with ASHA engagement could pave the way for universal eye health. Understanding people’s needs and engaging community would increase the demand for eye care.
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Background: The aim of this study was to examine the correlates between health seeking behavior and health status among the Elderly group in Osun State, Nigeria.Material & Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in Osun State between July-October 2020. A multistage sampling method was used to select 433 people aged 60 years and older. The participants were interviewed face-to-face using a well-structured questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyse data. Results:Findings from the study revealed that majority (77.8%) of the respondents had poor health status. Key findings showed that majority (72.4%) of respondents had good health seeking behaviour. Furthermore, age (p<0.05), marital status (p<0.05), educational status (p<0.05) and monthly income (p<0.05) were statistically associated with the health status of the elderly people.Conclusions:An adequate understanding of health seeking behaviour and its correlates with health status especially among the elderly people is needed to improve the health care in Nigeria. Although the elderly people have a good health seeking behaviour, it does not however translate to good health status. Therefore, strategies to improve the health status including improving their financial status should be developed with adequate health literacy. Elderly people should learn the importance of regular health examinations to promote health, prevent diseases, and slow the progress of chronic diseases.
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Introduction: Self-medication practice (SMP), is the one element of self-care, the use of medication without the prescription of medical professionals for the treatment of self-recognized illnesses. (E.g., resubmitting old prescriptions, sharing medication with relatives/family members, or using leftover medications) This study aims to determine the prevalence of self-medication practice and health-seeking behavior among medical students during the Covid 19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study on self-medication practice. A total of 510 MBBS students at Government Medical College, Ratlam were enrolled in the study taking care of inclusion criteria. Data was collected on a pre-designed semi-structured questionnaire through Google forms and was analyzed using Epi info (CDC version 6). Result: Out of 510 MBBS students, 394 students responded to fill the form with an overall response rate of 77%. Self-medication practice in the preceding 6 months amongst MBBS students was 291 (73.85%). There is a significant association between self-medication practice with age, gender, and 1st, 2nd and 3rd year of MBBS. Health-seeking behavior among students was found to be 26.14%. Conclusion: Self-medication practice is widely prevalent amongst MBBS students, especially during the Covid pandemic. Approx. 74% of MBBS Students practiced self-medication in the preceding 6 months.
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Objective To investigate the health-seeking behaviors of imported malaria cases after returning to China, and to investigate the factors affecting the time to initial diagnosis, so as to provide the scientific evidence for early identification of imported malaria cases and prevention of severe cases development and secondary transmission. Methods The individual demographic features, and the disease onset and the time to initial diagnosis of imported malaria cases in Jiangsu Province in 2019 were captured from the National Notifiable Disease Report System and the Information Management System for Parasitic Disease Control in China. The characteristics of health-seeking behaviors and epidemiological features of imported malaria cases were descriptively analyzed, and the factors affecting the time to initial diagnosis of imported malaria cases after returning to China were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 244 imported malaria cases were reported in Jiangsu Province in 2019, and the time to initial diagnosis of the cases were 1-12 days, with mean time of (1.53 ± 1.65) days, with median time of one day. The highest number of malaria cases seeking healthcare services were found on the day of developing primary symptoms (76 cases, 31.1%), followed by on the second day (68 cases, 27.9%), on the third day (46 cases, 18.9%), and 54 cases (22.1%) received initial diagnosis 3 days following presence of primary symptoms, including 3 cases with initial diagnosis at more than one week. High proportions of imported malaria cases with a delay in the time to initial diagnosis were seen in migrant workers who returned to China in January (14 cases, 5.7%) and December (13 cases, 5.3%) and those aged between 41 and 50 years (32 cases, 13.1%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed relative short time to initial diagnosis among imported malaria cases returning to China on March [odds ratio (OR) = 0.16, P = 0.03, 95% confidence interval (CI): (0.03, 0.85)] and those with a history of overseas malaria parasite infections [OR = 0.36, P = 0.001, 95% CI: (0.19, 0.67)]. Conclusions Timely health-seeking behaviors should be improved among imported malaria cases in Jiangsu Province, patients with a history of overseas malaria infections require faster health-seeking activities.
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@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Background:</strong> Since 1987, data regarding dental caries prevalence in the Philippines has been shown to be over 90%.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objective:</strong> This study compared the trends of Filipino web searches regarding toothache and milk tea from 2017 to 2019 through spatio-temporal analyses.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Methods:</strong> Google Trends searches for the years 2017, 2018, and 2019 were done using three separate search queries using the parameters "toothache" (TA) and "milk tea" (MT) as search terms, Philippines as location, Health as category, and Web Search as database.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Results:</strong> The outcome showed a decreasing trend in searches for toothache and an increasing interest for milk tea web searches from 2017 to 2019. A multiple comparison test showed that searches for MT were significantly more than TA in 2017 (p<0.001), 2018 (p<0.001), and 2019 (p<0.001). Searches for TA during the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarter compared to the 1st quarter of the year, in Caraga, Eastern Visayas, Western Visayas and Zamboanga Peninsula compared to Manila, were found to be significantly high.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Filipinos' health-seeking behavior show decreasing interest towards TA and increasing for MT.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Key Words:</strong> spatio-temporal analysis, data mining, health-seeking behavior, dental care, Philippines</p>
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Spatio-Temporal Analysis , Data Mining , Dental CareABSTRACT
Objective@#To explore the determinants for health-seeking behavior of the residents after cough for more than 3 weeks in Yiwu, Zhejiang Province, in order to provide reference for prevention and control of respiratory diseases.@*Methods@#A multi-stage cluster random sampling method was used to recruit the community residents aged 5 years and above in Yiwu. A face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted to collect demographic information, features of cough and health-seeking behaviors in the past month. The multivariate logistic regression model was employed to analyze the associated factors for health-seeking behavior after a cough for more than 3 weeks. @*Results@#Among 6 374 residents investigated, 152 cases had a cough for more than 3 weeks in the past month, accounting for 2.48%. They were( 45.00±21.15 ) years old, including 70 ( 46.05% ) males and 82 ( 53.95% ) females. About 58.55% ( 89 ) of them sought medical treatment. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that females ( OR=2.100, 95%CI: 1.005-4.391 ), middle school education level ( OR=0.406, 95%CI: 0.168-0.983 ), family annual income of 100 000 to 199 999 yuan ( OR=2.993, 95%CI: 1.215-7.373 ) were associated factors for health-seeking behavior after a cough for more than 3 weeks.@*Conclusion@#The rate of health-seeking behavior after a cough for more than 3 weeks among the residents in Yiwu is 58.55%, which is associated with gender, education level and income.
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Background: Maternal attitude to health-seeking behavior of their under-five children in the COVID-19 pandemic is not well-known. Objectives: This study is aimed at determining mothers' perception of COVID-19 pandemic among their under-five children and associated factors. Methodology: This is a prospective and observational study carried out in two health institutions in South-East Nigeria. Results: Most subjects, 243 (65.3%) noted that someone without showing symptoms of COVID-19 could transmit the virus. Of the mothers of children under-five, 271 (72.8%) highlighted the possibility of COVID-19 infection in the under-five. A small number of participants 53 (14.2%) showed awareness that people should cough into their elbows as a way of preventing the transmission of COVID-19. A small number of participants, 160 (43.0%) had a good perception of COVID-19. Majority of mothers who were married, 148 (44.7%) showed a good perception of COVID-19 when compared with those who were single, 12 (29.3%); however, this is not significant, (χ2 = 3.550, P = 0.060). A large number of participants who have attained tertiary education, 92 (48.9%) had a good perception of COVID-19 which is higher than that seen in mothers with secondary education 68 (37.0%) (χ2 = 5.444, P = 0.020). Participants who were 3034 years had 1.8 times higher odds of good perception of COVID 19 compared with mothers who were more than 35 years (adjusted odds ratio = 1.803, 95% confidence interval = 1.0263.170). Conclusion: Although most mothers affirm that a child could be infected by COVID-19, a small number of them actually had a good perception of COVID-19 infection. Good perception of COVID-19 among the under-five is enhanced by the high level of education and age of 3234 years.
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Humans , Child, Preschool , Attitude to Health , COVID-19 , Perception , Maternal Health , Maternal Behavior , MothersABSTRACT
Aim:The health seeking behavior in the treatment of childhood malaria was assessed to investigate influence of educational level and occupation of caregivers on choice of health services. Methodology:Between September, 2005 and January, 2008 in two Local Government Areas of Imo State, Nigeria. A total of 6259 respondents were interviewed through household survey of caregivers domiciled in the communities in the study area. Results:Result showed the major malaria management practices in the study area to include; use of herbs from local healers, buying of over the counter anti-malarials from pharmacies and attendance to hospitals/clinics. The result also revealed that majority (35.4%) of respondents went to pharmacies for the treatment of their children while 27.1% of respondents were self-medicating. Some (9.8%) of the caregivers used herbs, while 3.7% visited both herbalists and hospitals. The malaria management practices differed significantly (P<.05) among occupational groups and educational levels.Conclusion:There should therefore be intensive and sustained public health education aimed at improving attitudes of care givers towards the use of health facilities for timely treatment of childhood malaria
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Background: Aging is a universal and inevitable process of life. Elderly people are the most vulnerable group in terms of their health. In India geriatric-aged population is increasing day by day. Understanding the morbidities and health-seeking behavior of the elderly is essential for strengthening geriatric health-care services delivery. Objectives: The objectives of the study were (1) to assess the morbidity pattern in elderly people and (2) to know the health-seeking behavior of the aged population. Materials and Methods: This community-based, cross-sectional, and descriptive study was conducted among 160 elderly individuals over a period of 3 months from February 2019 to April 2019. Participants were interviewed and clinically examined for the assessment of sociodemographic detail, morbidity profile, and health-seeking behavior. Results: Of 160 study subjects, 71 were males and 89 were females. The majority (61.3%) of the elderly were in the age group of 60–69 years. Overall the prevalence of morbidity was high, i.e., 76.9%. The most common illness was a nonspecific generalized weakness (48.1%) and gastrointestinal problems (44.4%). Majority of them (65.4%) have faith in allopathic medicines and used government facilities. Of the total morbid elderly, 15.5% of them could not get medical advice. Conclusions: High prevalence of morbidity among elderly population stresses the need to provide suitable health facilities and affordable health care to the elderly. Non-specific generalized weakness was one of the most important problems in this age group. Further research is to be done to know the cause of this weakness. Policymakers must focus on rural elderly and their beliefs which prevent them from seeking healthcare.
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Background: Rabies is an acute fatal disease of central nervous system, caused by Lyssavirus Type 1. Rabies in dogs is the source of 99% of human infection. Awareness about rabies and health seeking behavior are crucial determinants of rabies control. Present study was done to assess awareness regarding animal bite and health seeking behavior among affected population.Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted in central emergency department of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand for a period of four months. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Sample size was 114 using consecutive sampling method. The participants were interviewed after taking informed consent. Data collected were entered in MS Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 20.Results: A total of 114 subjects participated in the study of which 83 (72.8%) were male and 31 (27.2%) female. Most commonly affected age group found was 21-30 years (35.1%). Majority 101 (88.6%) of them resided in urban areas, and only 79 (69.3%) acquired secondary education and above. Most of the animal bite was caused by dogs 102 (89.5%), unprovoked 79 (69.3%) in nature and most common site involved lower limb 70 (61.4%). Majority 68 (59.6%) of the dog bite wound were of category II. Only 55 (48.2%) of animal bite victims washed their wound with soap and water. Majority 58 (50.9%) of the study participants had no knowledge about consequences of dog bite. Median reporting time to tertiary institute was found to be four hours.Conclusions: There was average level of awareness about rabies among animal bite victims attending RIMS, Ranchi
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Background: Termination of an unwanted pregnancy is legal in India. Many women in this region are still not aware about safe abortion services and its consequences. Especially young, economically deprived and those without a supportive male partner are at higher risk of unsafe abortion. There is no clear and established evidence on this issue in our region. In the study, the aim was to explore the health seeking behaviour of women with unwanted pregnancies.Methods: Present cross-sectional study was conducted among 303 patients visiting to obstetrics and gynecology ward of BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur from April 2018 to September 2018. Their socio demographic profile, reasons for current termination of pregnancy and health seeking behaviour was explored.Results: Most common reason given for terminating the current pregnancy was completed family size 65.3%. Unmarried girls with pregnancy were 5.6 % who wanted termination of pregnancy. Majority (67.0%) took medication for termination of pregnancy from nearby medical store without an expert consultation 15.8% of women consulted to a local quack or local dai for termination of pregnancy. 12.9% of women tried a method as advised by family/friends for termination of pregnancy. About 4% of women 1st tried traditional and herbal medicines, drinking tea or juice for termination of pregnancy. Majority of women (84.5%) visited to medical college for management of complications of earlier tried method of termination of pregnancy.Conclusions: Completed family size was found most common reason for termination of pregnancy. Self medication without consultation of authorised doctor was found most common practice of abortion leading to complications.
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Background: In rabies endemic countries, where every animal bite is potentially a suspected rabid exposure, the exposed individuals should seek early and proper health care. It is also essential to complete the full course of postexposure vaccination to protect against rabies. Objectives: The study aimed at determining the health-seeking behavior of animal bite victims; assessing the perceived risk of rabies transmission from different animals and knowledge on its prevention and finding out the compliance to complete course of rabies vaccination and associated factors. Methods: A multi-centric, health facility-based survey was conducted during May 2017 to January 2018 in six regional-representative states involving 18 health facilities. Study participants were animal bite victims attending the health facilities. The data from all the study participants across the country were compiled and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test to find out the association of factors influencing compliance. Results: Among a total of 529 animal bite victims, 83.6% sought postexposure prophylaxis coming directly to health facility; others visited nonallopathic/traditional healers/veterinarians/Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery before coming to health facility. The perceived risk of disease transmission and knowledge on the prevention of rabies was insufficient among the exposed victims. All participants were started with anti-rabies vaccination; the compliance rate for the full course of intramuscular rabies vaccination was 65.9% and for intra-dermal rabies vaccination, it was 85.1%. Among Category III exposures, only 46.2% received rabies immunoglobulin. Conclusions: Health-seeking behavior and compliance to complete course of anti-rabies vaccination is unsatisfactory, which has to be improved to prevent rabies.
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Background: The present study explores the variation in epidemiology and treatment seeking behavior of animal bite patients in rural and urban areas. The rural urban differences would be imperative in effective policy making, planning and implementation of preventive and control measures. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 50 urban patients were from anti-rabies vaccination clinic of government medical college Aurangabad and 50 rural patients from areas of Paithan from January 2016 to May 2016. All patients were subjected to socio-demographic profile and detailed history of animal bites, wound toileting and treatment including both active and passive immunization. Results: Overall, 66% were males and 34% were females. Most of the people in rural area were bitten by stray dog (42%) followed by wild animals like pig, monkey (16%) as compared with 38% of stray dog bite cases in urban areas. The commonest site of animal bites was found to be lower limb followed by upper limb, trunk and head in both areas. Maximum cases belonged to category III (84%) in rural areas followed by category I (10%). Also, most of the rural patients (46%) preferred home remedies of treatment i.e. application of oil, salt, red chilies, and turmeric paste applications as compared with 10% urban patients. Conclusions: Our study revealed that majority of the patients from rural areas were inflicted upon by stray dogs (54%) and relied more upon home remedies thereby reporting late to government hospitals.
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Background: COPD is 4th leading cause of death worldwide and predicted to be third by 2030. In India, COPD accounts for 7% of deaths and 3% DALYs loss. Study was conducted to Find the prevalence & determinants of COPD among 35 years & above rural population of Gurugram, Haryana and also determine health seeking behavior & economic burden of COPD cases. Methods: The study was conducted among field practice area of PHC Garhi Harsaru for one year. A total of 1434 individuals 35 years and above of age found in 700 households among were selected by probability proportion to size (PPS) sampling methods. 115 cases detected as cases were matched with equal number of controls matching and Data analyzed. Results: Prevalence of COPD was 8.02 % among 35 years & above age group. Smoking, passive smoking, biomass fuel smoke exposure, occupational exposure to dust/smoke/gas /chemical vapors at work, frequent respiratory infections, family history of COPD were found important determinants of COPD (P<0.05). Physical activity and body mass index were not found significant contributor on multivariate logistic regression analysis. Among all COPD patients 87.83% seeks immediate medical help in case of any breathing discomfort. Annual economic burden on COPD case was found to be Rs 14804/-. Conclusions: Smoking, exposure to smoke/dusty /chemical vapors and family history of COPD are main determinant of COPD. Public health planners should concentrate to mitigate these causes.
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Background: The increase in life expectancy has resulted in changes in age composition of India and tripling of geriatric population in last 50 years. To provide adequate and comprehensive care to elderly, understanding their health problems and health seeking behavior is imperative. Hence, this study aimed to assess the morbidity pattern and health-seeking behavior and factors affecting them among geriatric population of a rural area of district Faridabad.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 300 elderly above 60 years of age in village Pali of Faridabad district for a period of 3 months. The list of elderly was obtained from health workers’ records and they were interviewed regarding socio-demographic factors, morbidity status and health seeking behaviour using a predesigned and pretested structured questionnaire.Results: Out of 300 subjects, 56% were females and 63% were in age group of 60-69 years. Overall 93.3% subjects had one or more morbidities with musculoskeletal disorders being most common (57.3%) followed by visual impairment and cataract (54.0%) and hypertension (49.0%). Morbidities were significantly higher among females (p= 0.006), divorced/separated (p=0.014) and illiterate elderly (p=0.026). 77.7% elderly preferred allopathic system of medicine with private facilities preferred by 40%.Conclusions: Morbidity load among elderly was very high and health seeking behaviour was poor. So, strong efforts are needed to provide them with comprehensive and specialised care so that they contribute to their maximum potential to our society. Primary healthcare strategies targeting elderly needs to be strengthened and area specific strategies need to be formulated.
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Background: Health-seeking behavior (HSB) refers to a series of actions taken to correct the perceived ill-health. Knowledge on HSB of the target population is pertinent to achieve health for all. To fulfill community perspectives and needs, health systems need to adapt their strategies, taking into account the findings from behavioral studies. HSB of a person is affected by a number of factors acting at various levels. Behavior of the population of denying health care at public sector needs rectification by improving the quality of services. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the HSB and factors affecting it among the households of urban field practice area, Bengaluru. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the urban field practice area of Bengaluru. The sample size was calculated to be 350 households. Data regarding sociodemographic profile, preferred health sector during illness, and other details were obtained by interview method using a pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Majority of households (269) agreed to that they were availing services from government health sector. However, still, it was noticed that 81 households (23.10%) did not avail any kind of services from government health sector. Most common reasons for not visiting government health sector were inconvenient timings (40.96% of responses), overcrowding (28.80%), and unsatisfactory services (21.40%). Conclusion: Households chose costly, satisfactory health services at private sector over low cost unsatisfactory health services at government health center.