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Self-reported health complaints and healthcare-seeking behaviour among adult people in rural Bangladesh: results from a cross-sectional study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess self-reported health complaints and healthcare-seeking behaviours in a rural population of Bangladesh. These factors are crucial for understanding health challenges and designing effective healthcare services in rural areas. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to October 2021. SETTING: Four randomly selected administrative districts/regions of Bangladesh. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1645 rural participants aged 18 years and older. OUTCOME MEASURES: The study assessed the prevalence of self-reported health complaints and healthcare-seeking behaviours. RESULTS: Among the participants, 66% (1084 out of 1645) reported experiencing health complaints, with 80% seeking care and 20% either not seeking care or opting for self-care. Multivariable analysis revealed that participants with formal occupations (adjusted OR (aOR) = 0.609; 95% CI 0.396 to 0.938; p=0.025), those from the second (aOR=1.742; 95% CI 1.014 to 2.991; p=0.044) and fifth quintiles (aOR=1.210; 95% CI 0.726 to 2.019; p=0.465), with non-communicable disease (NCD) related complaints (aOR=5.299; 95% CI 3.673 to 7.643; p <0.001), and those living more than 5 km from healthcare facilities (aOR=1.725; 95% CI 1.040 to 2.861; p=0.034), were more likely to seek healthcare. Additionally, participants in the wealthiest quintile (aOR=1.963; 95% CI 1.080 to 3.569; p=0.027), those with non-NCD complaints (aOR=5.299; 95% CI 3.673 to 7.643; p<0.001) and those living further than 5 km (aOR=4.615; 95% CI 3.121 to 6.824; p<0.001), were more likely to seek care from skilled providers or healthcare facilities. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of self-reported health complaints, particularly related to NCDs, was observed. Despite this, many participants did not seek healthcare, indicating the need to address barriers to healthcare access and improve health-seeking behaviours in rural Bangladesh.

Source: BMJ Open

DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-086324

Authors: Ashraful Kabir, Md Nazmul Karim, Baki Billah

Institution: Monash University

Language: English

Topic: Mental Health Treatment and Access

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,839