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Title:	Health seeking behaviour in rural Bangladesh : a study from gender perspective
Authors:	Md. Siddiqur Rahman (P28776)
Supervisor:	Noor Rahmah Binti Hj Abu Bakar, Prof. Madya Dr.
Keywords:	Health Behaviour Rural Bangladesh Gender perspective Health behavior -- Bangladesh
Issue Date:	25-Oct-2011
Description:	Throughout the world differences in health lifestyle and illness behaviour between men and women are well known. It has consistently been reported that except a very few developing countries, women live longer than men though they give poorer self evaluation of health, report higher rates of illness, consult more and consume greater amount of drugs. In Bangladesh women are vulnerable for many reasons including low level of education, lack of resources and non-equal rights. The existing socioeconomic factors constitute women and men health-seeking behaviour differently. This study aims to explore how socioeconomic factors and roles such as income, education, marital status, parental status and employment status influence and contribute to differential health and illness behaviour between men and women in rural Bangladesh. This thesis examines how males and females differ in their health life style and in the type of illness contracted, reporting behaviour, decision to obtain medical care, types of provider contacted. The study is based on empirical data drawn from self-reported health and illness behaviour. Mixed method design was used for both qualitative and quantitative data collection and data analysis. Quantitative analysis was done on the survey data using structured questionnaire interviews with 146 male and 150 female. The survey data was supplemented by qualitative data collected through ten in-depth interviews. Chi-square (x²) test was done to reveal significant association between selected characteristics and different components of health and illness behaviours. Finally, logistic regression was performed to determine gender differences in treatment cost. The results of the study showed that poor socioeconomic status of rural people contribute to poor health lifestyle. The data indicate that women have less health knowledge than men, but they were more likely to be conscious about health matters. Gender differences were also observed in prevalence of diseases. Women have been found to experience more health problems than men. Findings from both quantitative and qualitative data revealed that concurrent use of different methods of treatment is common among men and women in rural Bangladesh. The reasons for choosing the particular method/s of treatment and provider were identified. Pondering about perceived cost and non availability of qualified health providers most of the villagers consult with untrained village doctors and medicine sellers. Overall, the findings highlight that improvement of socioeconomic status, especially education will lead better health seeking behaviour and impede gender differences in health in rural Bangladesh. There is also a need to recognize the village doctors in the mainstream healthcare delivery in rural areas.,Ph.D
Pages:	224
Call Number:	RA776.9.R338 2011
Publisher:	UKM, Bangi
Appears in Collections:	Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities / Fakulti Sains Sosial dan Kemanusiaan

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