Healthcare-seeking behaviour of marginalised older people in urban slums: a cross-sectional survey study in Khulna City, Bangladesh

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study aimed to measure healthcare-seeking behaviour and determine its associated factors among older people in the slums of the Khulna City Corporation (KCC) areas of Bangladesh.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingsFour slums in the KCC areas of Bangladesh.ParticipantsThe participants were selected following a two-stage area probability sampling with the following specifications: they must be aged ≥60 years and must have lived in the slums of KCC for at least 5 consecutive years.Outcome measuresA semistructured interview schedule was administered to determine participants’ healthcare-seeking behaviour, with healthcare-seeking behaviour measured through a dichotomous response of ‘yes’ or ‘no’.Results636 participants were included in the study. Gastrointestinal problems (75.3%) and aches and pains (71.5%) were the two most common health problems among older people in the slums of KCC. Older adults in their 80s had higher adjusted odds of attaining healthcare services (adjusted OR (AOR)=2.028; 95% CI: 1.140 to 3.609; p<0.05) than other older people, while educated older people (AOR=0.664; 95% CI: 0.441 to 1.000; p<0.05) and those with greater satisfaction with domains of life (SDL index; AOR=0.860; 95% CI: 0.811 to 0.912; p<0.01) were less inclined to seek healthcare services than their counterparts. Additionally, widows/widowers (AOR=2.218; 95% CI: 1.080 to 4.556; p<0.05) and married people (AOR=2.750; 95% CI: 1.329 to 5.689; p<0.01) had higher adjusted odds of seeking healthcare services than those who were divorced/separated.ConclusionAge, education, marital status and SDL index were significant predictors for the healthcare-seeking behaviour of older people in KCC slums. Effective strategies need to be implemented to reduce existing access barriers to healthcare services for older people in the slum areas of urban Bangladesh.

Financial protection and equity in the healthcare financing system in Iran: a cross-sectional study among slum dwellers with type 2 diabetes

“…Elderly patients are less likely to use insurance to cope with costs. A study in Bangladesh slums showed that health-seeking behaviour among older people is influenced by age, education, marital status and satisfaction with domains of life 35. According to a study in Delhi, even though T2D is common in slums, it fails to be adequately understood, treated and controlled among the elderly 36.…”

“…A study in Bangladesh slums showed that health-seeking behaviour among older people is influenced by age, education, marital status and satisfaction with domains of life. 35 According to a study in Delhi, even though T2D is common in slums, it fails to be adequately understood, treated and controlled among the elderly. 36 The results of a systematic review showed that there are five themes for diabetes self-management among elderly patients including the need for information on T2D care, support from the health system and social, functional decline, attitude of persons with T2D and challenges of adopting a healthy lifestyle.…”

Qualitative exploration for the under-foot fall in utilization of health services at Primary Health Center of Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh

“…Socioeconomic Constraints: The theme of socioeconomic constraints aligns with findings from multiple studies conducted in India and other developing countries. Prinja et al ,[ 16 ] Jahan et al ,[ 5 ] and Akter et al . [ 17 ] all identified financial constraints as a major barrier to healthcare utilization.…”

“…Factors such as lack of awareness about available services, perceptions of low healthcare quality, and fear or mistrust of healthcare providers can contribute to under-utilization. [ 4 5 ] Additionally, limited health literacy, language barriers, and cultural preferences for traditional or alternative healing practices can act as barriers to accessing and utilizing healthcare services. [ 6 7 ]…”