Health seeking behaviour of the elderly- a comparative study between urban and rural areas of Pune.

Natarajan E; Sukhsohale N

Volume : VI, Issue : II, February - 2017

Health seeking behaviour of the elderly- a comparative study between urban and rural areas of Pune.

Natarajan E, Sukhsohale N

Abstract :

Background: The present study explores the variation in epidemiology, treatment coverage and health-seeking behaviour of geriatric population in rural and urban areas. The rural-urban differences would be imperative in effective planning and implementation of interventional programs. Aims: To assess the prevalence of visual, auditory, locomotion and continence problems, Activities of Daily Living restrictions and low Mini Mental Status Exam scores, treatment coverage, and health-seeking behaviour of geriatric population in rural and urban areas in these aspects. Setting and design: This was a community based cross-sectional study, carried out in 100 urban and 100 rural subjects in and around Pune city, India. (n=200) Methods: All subjects were subjected to detailed sociodemographic profile, history about various disabilities, treatment taken, and help sought out. Vision and he� was assessed through simple bed-side tests, and MMSE was also performed. Statistical analysis: Percentages, and Chi square test were calculated, p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: More than 80% urban and 60% rural subjects had visual problems, and this was statistically significant (p<0.001). 24% urban and 32% rural subjects had diminished he�. 22% of each group had locomotion problems, and approximately 10% had urinary incontinence. 18% score <6 on Katz scale for ADL. The difference in MMSE scores was found to be significant (p<0.001), with 18% urban and 52% rural subjects scoring below normal. The study shows differences in rates medical aids taken for visual (78.5% of affected urban subjects and only 46.6% of affected rural subjects), locomotion (100% urban, 72.7% rural) and incontinence problems (66.6% urban, 0% rural), being significantly better in urban population than rural. But both groups showed poor initiative (less than 50%) to seek help themselves. Conclusion: The present study shows that the urban population was affected more in terms of visual disabilities, but auditory, locomotion disabilities and incontinence was found to be similar between urban and rural subjects. The level of treatment received was better in the urban population. However, the health-seeking behaviour was very poor in both groups.