Health seeking behavior of farming community in rural area of Titabor block in Jorhat district

Abstract

Background: Numerous factors are associated with the access and utilization of health care services. These factors along with the preferences of the farmers are responsible for the health seeking behavior of farming community. This study aims to understand the health seeking behavior of the farmers and the factors influencing their behaviour in a rural block of Assam. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was done in a rural block of Jorhat district, Assam among a sample of 400 farmers. A pre designed pretested proforma was used to collect the data. Information was obtained on the demographic variables, health seeking behavior and the factors that may affect health seeking behavior. Results were analyzed using percentage and proportions. Results: The study revealed that respiratory tract infection (54.25%) was the most common cause of morbidity among farmers followed by musculoskeletal problems (23.25%) and gastrointestinal tract ailments (11.75%). Majority of the farmers preferred the government health facilities (62%) than the private practitioners (17%) for seeking treatment. Around 64% respondents sought health care only when their health conditions were severely affected. Financial constraints (43.25%) and lack of time (29.25%) was observed to be major impediment in utilization of health care services. Children were given most priority in seeking treatment at the time of illness (68.75%). Conclusions: Government health care facilities were preferred by most respondents due to low cost of services. Behavior seeking healthcare was mostly influenced by financial constraints.

Occupational Health Problems among the Farmers of Rural Field Practice Area of Department of Community Medicine, KIMS, Hubballi: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In the present study the farmers preferred government and private facility equally in contrast to the study by Syeda S J, 7 and Rajesh R K 4 where majority of the farmers preferred government hospital.…”

Morbidity pattern among tribal farmers in a selected district of Tripura, India

“…As per a study conducted in the adjacent state of Assam, respiratory tract infections are identified as the primary cause of illness and death among agricultural workers. 21 Environmental factors also play a role in the development of respiratory ailments in agricultural environments, which may exacerbate cardiovascular health problems among this population. Without being statistically significant, comparisons between normal cultivators and jhum cultivators suggest possible discrepancies in health outcomes associated with diverse agricultural practices, animal waste, and other factors.…”