A Study on Health-care Utilization and Health-care Seeking Behavior of People Approaching Two Institutions (Ayurveda and Allopathic PHCs) in Vengara Panchayat of Malappuram District, Kerala

Abstract

Background: To make health for all a reality, we need individuals and communities with access to high-quality health services to take care of their health and of their families. There is a need to undertake a more systematic analysis to examine AYUSH and Allopathic care utilization across regional, socioeconomic, and demographic groups. In a country like India, which is home to many traditional medicine systems, it is also essential to understand how Ayush coexists with allopathic system. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional study design using a self-made questionnaire to find healthcare utilization and healthcare-seeking behaviour. Results: Factors determining health-care utilization such as prior experience in care (AOR 3.47; 95% CI 0.52–23.37), affordability (AOR 11.48; 95% CI 2.31–57.08), availability of essential medicines and their quality (AOR 35.28; 95% CI 5.32–234.20), and acceptability of treatment (AOR 4.51; 95% CI 0.91–22.41) were shown to be a positive predictor for choosing Allopathic PHC. At the same time, healthcare services such as screening and basic management of mental health ailments (AOR 0.20; 95% CI 0.02–2.26) and care in pregnancy and childbirth (AOR 0.54; 95% CI 0.12–2.32) were shown to be negative predictors for allopathic. Conclusion: The study findings highlighted the need for systematic information on the usage of healthcare services and people’s healthcare-seeking behaviours. It would help policymakers and stakeholders set up specific strategies to ensure the effective utilization and distribution of existing resources and enforce the country’s sufficient delivery of healthcare services.