Sociodemographic status of elderly & pattern of health care utilization for respiratory diseases in NCR

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Original Article

Author Details : Sonisha Gupta*, Smita Asthana, Atul Kumar Gupta

Volume : 9, Issue : 1, Year : 2022

Article Page : 41-48

https://doi.org/10.18231/j.jchm.2022.009

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Abstract

Background: Elderly population is increasing progressively all over the world. Diseases of respiratory system are important cause of morbidity & mortality in elderly. Health-care utilization is an important element of health care.
Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study of elderly aged 60yrs & above was conducted in urban & rural area of NCR & Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh. First part included socio-demographic characteristics and self-reported co-morbidities. This first part screened out suspected respiratory cases and they were asked questionnaire regarding health care utilization.
Results:  In urban 282/1522(18.5%) & in rural. 298/1503 (19.8%) were found to be suffering actually from respiratory illness. For chronic respiratory illness allopathic services were used by 91.8% (259/282) urban & 75.5% (225/298) rural elderly. Urban area were utilizing services of private health care providers most commonly. In our study 36.6% (109/298) & 20.5% (61/298) rural elderly were taking over the counter treatment from medical stores or going to a quack for acute & chronic respiratory illness respectively. During acute illness 60.7% (181/298) rural elderly choose health care service due to belief but during chronic illness only 51.3% (153/298) elderly stated it as a reason for choosing health care service. Affordability as a reason for selection of particular health service increased from 23.2% (69/298) in acute illness to 36.9% (110/298) in chronic illness.
Conclusion: Majority of elderly are illiterate & dependent on family for support. Private health care services are preferred especially by urban elderly. Public healthcare services are used more for chronic illness than acute illness.

Keywords: Elderly, Sociodemographic, Health care utilization, Respiratiory Diseases, Geriatric.

How to cite : Gupta S, Asthana S, Gupta A K, Sociodemographic status of elderly & pattern of health care utilization for respiratory diseases in NCR. J Community Health Manag 2022;9(1):41-48

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