Publications

Abstract : Introduction: Utilization of Health Services is a result of “Health Seeking Behavior” which in fact is an entity of a wider concept known as “Health Behavior”. Data regarding the utilization of health services by the elderly and the factors associated with it from the most rural and backward areas of Raichur district of Karnataka are lacking. Objectives: To assess the utilization of health services and the socio-demographic factors associated with it among the elderly population of the rural villages of Raichur district. Materials and Methods: This community based cross sectional study was carried out in the most rural and backward villages of Raichur District. Data was collected using a pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire. 230 elderly were interviewed regarding their socio-demographic profile and utilization of health services. Results: It was observed that, 83% of the elderly used health services in the past year of which 78% utilized the allopathic health services. However, 16% of them still utilized the services of quacks. The average monthly expenditure of the elderly on health was Rs100/-. A higher level of education and social class were found to be significant factors favouring the utilization of healthcare services by the elderly. Recommendation: Integration of geriatric care into the primary healthcare system has become the need of the hour in order to make health services more accessible to the elderly