A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY TO KNOW THE HEALTH CARE SEEKING BEHAVIOR OF ELDERLY POPULATION IN URBAN AREA OF DISTRICT-HAPUR

Dr. Madhulika Singh Sisodia; Dr. SC Gupta; Dr. Ranjana Singh; Dr. Upender Kumar; Dr. Ravi Kumar

Volume : VII, Issue : V, May - 2018

A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY TO KNOW THE HEALTH CARE SEEKING BEHAVIOR OF ELDERLY POPULATION IN URBAN AREA OF DISTRICT-HAPUR

Dr. Madhulika Singh Sisodia, Dr. Sc Gupta, Dr. Ranjana Singh, Dr. Upender Kumar, Dr. Ravi Kumar

Abstract :

Background:Health seeking behavior of elderly is a complex phenomenon, particularly in an Indian community, and depends on a number of factors.

Objectives: To study the health care seeking behavior of elderly population.

Material and methods: A study was carried out in geriatric age group in the urban field practice areas of Department of Community Medicine, Saraswathi Institute of Medical Sciences, district–Hapur between March 2014 to Feb 2015.

Result: A total of 319 elderly were assessed for their health seeking behaviour regarding present illness.Among these 86.8% sought health care. Majority of elderly took treatment mainly from private facility (54.2%) and prefer allopathic medication (89.9%).

Conclusion: The lack of social support system and level of overall general health education in particular have an impact on the health–seeking behavior of the elderly.