Determinants of Health Seeking Behaviour among Families in Urban Patna, Bihar

Abstract

Health seeking behaviour plays a central role in determining the overall health status of a population, thereby influencing the broader trajectory of a country’s socioeconomic progress. The present study explores how families in Patna seek healthcare, tracing their illness responses and treatment preferences, while examining the key factors that influence their choices. Using a qualitative research approach, data were collected from 300 families across six administrative divisions of the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) through face-to-face interviews. Findings from this study show that health seeking behaviour of families is primarily shaped by their perception of the severity of the health issue. It is also affected by a complex interplay of sociocultural norms, economic constraints, and environmental factors. Based on the type and severity of health problems, families adopt a tiered approach, involving home remedies, self-medication, and non-professional advice, progressing to professional medical care when need is felt. It also reveals a clear inclination of families towards private healthcare facilities over public ones, attributed to factors such as availability of doctors, quality of healthcare services, ease of appointment, past experiences and reviews from social networks. Within families, patriarchal norms often shape healthcare decision-making, with male members retaining authority over financial commitments. Additionally, the increasing use of digital media, including the internet and mobile applications, highlights the transformative influence of technology in guiding contemporary health behaviours.