WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Manjegowda H. P.*, Nikhila N., Dr. Gulappa Devagappanavar and Dr. Lingaraj Niduvani

ABSTRACT

Background: Health-seeking behavior (HSB) is a critical aspect of public health that reflects how individuals respond to perceived health issues and the actions they take to seek care. In rural areas of India, including Gadag, Karnataka, understanding HSB is particularly vital due to the unique challenges faced by these communities, such as limited access to healthcare facilities, economic constraints, and cultural factors influencing health practices. Rural populations in India often experience significant disparities in healthcare access compared to their urban counterparts. Approximately 80% of healthcare resources are concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural communities underserved. This inequity compels many individuals to rely on informal healthcare providers, traditional medicine, or self-medication due to the perceived inadequacies of public healthcare facilities, which are often associated with long wait times, poor quality of care, and accessibility issues. The financial burden of illness is a significant concern for households in rural Karnataka. High out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare can lead to catastrophic health expenditures, pushing families into poverty. Many households may forego necessary medical treatment due to the cost, which can exacerbate health issues and lead to worse health outcomes. Research indicates that health-seeking behavior is not only a reflection of individual choices but is also deeply embedded in the community's socioeconomic context. Factors such as household income and the availability of insurance coverage play crucial roles in determining how and when individuals seek care. Objectives: To assess the health-seeking behaviour and the financial burden of illness among households in a rural community of Gadag. Materials and Methods: A Community-based Cross-sectional study was conducted in Hunashikatti village of Nargund, Gadag and Random sampling Technique was used to choose the study participants. A Semi structured questionnaire was used to obtain the data in the month of January 2024. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and Results were expressed in frequency and percentages. Results: The study highlights a strong preference for allopathic medicine and government healthcare facilities among participants, likely due to affordability and accessibility. Despite a significant number of illnesses reported, most were mild and did not require hospitalization. Financially, few participants faced substantial costs, and while a majority had health insurance, utilization of schemes like Ayushman Bharat and ESI was nonexistent, suggesting potential barriers in awareness or access. Conclusion: The survey reveals that while there is a preference for allopathic treatment and government healthcare facilities among rural households in Gadag, traditional practices and home remedies still play a significant role in health-seeking behavior. Most illnesses reported were minor and did not lead to significant financial burdens, as hospitalization and high medical expenses were infrequent.

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