Gender differentials in the choice of in-patient healthcare services among the older adults in India: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

India is presently undergoing a rapid demographic transition and experiencing a gradual increase in an ageing population. As a result, the households were continuously exposed to catastrophic economic impacts, ultimately influencing the healthcare utilisation of older people. The study examined the gender differentials in the choice of in-patient private and public hospitalisation among Indian elderly using Andersen's Health Behaviour Model. The database was acquired from the nationally representative cross-sectional survey (NSSO, 2017-18). Bivariate chi-square and binomial logistic regression techniques were used to fulfill the objective. In addition, the poor-rich ratio and concentration index was used to understand the inherent socioeconomic inequalities in healthcare preferences. The findings suggest that aged men were 27 percent more prone to avail private healthcare facilities than aged women. Further, older adults, who are married, belong to the upper caste, have higher education and gone through surgery, and primarily reside in an affluent society were more likely to prefer private in-patient hospitalisation. It represents negligence of older women in access to better healthcare who had financial strain and economically dependent. The study can be used to reframe existing public health policies and programs, particularly focusing on the older women, to avail cost-effective treatment.