Health seeking behaviour and its determinants in urban areas of developing countries: A primary survey in Kolkata city, India.

Abstract

The aim of universal access to health care for most of the developing countries seems more challenging nowadays with rapid urbanization. We analyzed the health seeking behavior, as an indicator of the health access situation, its determinants and equitability among slum vs non-slum population in Kolkata. Public hospitals, found to be preferred by less-educated and uninsured people and provided cheaper service, although struggled with high indirect-costs and access barriers. People with high opportunity cost and higher social background were found to be more serious about treatment. However, the slum and non-slum people did not differ significantly in their health-seeking behaviour. A strengthened public health system with reduced access barrier is recommended.