Healthcare-seeking behavior among diabetic patients in Kozhikode, Kerala

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a global health problem. India has additional unique problem of treatment compliance of diabetic patients. Diabetic patients do not adhere to treatment and ultimately develop multiple chronic complications leading to irreversible disability and death. Objectives: To determine healthcare--seeking behavior and the health expenditure incurred for the treatment of diabetes in study population. Materials and Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015. House-to-house survey was done for data collection. A structured questionnaire was used for collecting data after explaining purpose of the study. All individuals with diabetes residing in area who consented for participation in the study were included in the study. Elderly individuals who were critically ill and were unable to comprehend questions were excluded from the study. Collected data were entered in Microsoft Excel and statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 16. Results: A total of 79 diabetic patients were interviewed. Their mean age was 61.51 ± 11.8 years. 63.3% individuals belonged to upper socioeconomic class. Family history of diabetes was seen in 39.2% of the individuals. Only 34.1% patients used Government health facilities. 82.3% individuals were taking treatment regularly. Comorbidities associated with diabetes were seen in 69.6% of the individuals. The mean total monthly expenditure required for diabetes care was Rs. 1793. Conclusions: Healthcare-seeking behavior among diabetic patients in Kerala is still low compared to diabetic patients in developed countries. Diabetic patients have to spend significant amount for traveling, consultation, and laboratory investigations along with expenditure for drugs and hospitalization.