Impact of demonetization on health seeking behavior and expenditure pattern among population residing in a rural area of Belagavi: A community based cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: The Government of India announced that the Rs 500 and Rs. 1000 denominated currency notes will cease to be legal tender. The move was targeted towards tackling black money, corruption and terrorism. Methods: The present study was carried out in Primary Health Centre, Kinaye, Rural Health Training centre, department of community medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru medical college, Belagavi. Results: Out of 400 participants 74.5% were between 18-40yrs age group and 66.5% of respondents were females. Majority of the study population were married (75.25%) & belonged to nuclear families (63.5%). 85.75% of the participants were literate& 28.25% belonged to class IV of Modified BG Prasad Classification. Majority (98.75%) of the population were aware of demonetization. Most of them came to know about from demonetization from television (74.98%) or from family and neighbors (12.91%). 59.2% of respondents believe that Demonetization will eliminate corruption. Almost 45% think it will affect their health seeking behavior. 29.11% of the study population hesitated to visit health care provider due to demonetization. Majority of population (71.65%) did not lose working days as the study population largely consists of female.