Background:Health policy formulations in India have witnessed a shift from a reactive approach to a more proactive approach over the last decade.It is therefore important to understand the effectiveness of recent nati...Background:Health policy formulations in India have witnessed a shift from a reactive approach to a more proactive approach over the last decade.It is therefore important to understand the effectiveness of recent national health policies(such as the National Rural Health Mission and the National Urban Health Mission)in addressing the varied needs of the heterogeneous population of India.Methods:We use datasets from the National Sample Surveys carried out in 2004 and 2014 to understand the change in the health seeking behavior as a result of these policies.The choice of health care facilities and the associated expenditures are compared through descriptive analyses.A multinomial logistic regression is used to identify the significant parameters which contribute towards the share of health care providers in India.The health status of two economically disparate Indian states(Bihar and Kerala)are also compared through specific metrics of performance.Results:It is seen that due to increased availability of facilities in close proximity,both rural and urban residents prefer to avail of those facilities which will result in minimization of transportation cost.The effectiveness of national health policies is found to vary on a regional scale.Literacy and health status have a strong correlation,thereby reinforcing that Bihar still lags far behind Kerala in terms of access to equitable health care.Conclusion:Therefore,a hierarchical system,incorporating medical pluralism and tailor-made policies targeted at diverse health care demands,needs to be put in place to achieve Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals as decreed by the United Nations,i.e.,“health for all”.展开更多
Hypertension and obesity are two prevalent conditions that often simultaneously affect the same individual and can increase one＇s chances of cardiovascular morbidity. In Thailand, older people often seek medical atte...Hypertension and obesity are two prevalent conditions that often simultaneously affect the same individual and can increase one＇s chances of cardiovascular morbidity. In Thailand, older people often seek medical attention at times when they are extremely ill. Healthy lifestyle behaviors are essential in order for one to maintain their health. Certain regimens can be initiated to manage and control health problems. However, very few know about how the elderly maintain their subjective physical well-being, while living with obesity and hypertension. This qualitative study focuses on describing health care practices and behaviors of overweight and hypertensive older people in everyday Thai society. Ten elderly people have participated in this study through purposive sampling. Qualitative data was gathered via in-depth interviews and was analyzed by using a content analysis method. The findings illustrate that health care seeking behaviors emerged from an understanding to seek health care; acting behaviors based on knowledge, and seeking health care support. Most overweight and hypertensive elderly people in Thai cultures have the desire to maintain their everyday lives by continuing their routines or traditions that were in place before seeking professional attention. This knowledge is useful in developing health care practices with wider implications such as holistic care to elderly people for alleviating their suffering by promoting healthy lifestyles and maintaining healthy blood pressure.展开更多
文摘Background:Health policy formulations in India have witnessed a shift from a reactive approach to a more proactive approach over the last decade.It is therefore important to understand the effectiveness of recent national health policies(such as the National Rural Health Mission and the National Urban Health Mission)in addressing the varied needs of the heterogeneous population of India.Methods:We use datasets from the National Sample Surveys carried out in 2004 and 2014 to understand the change in the health seeking behavior as a result of these policies.The choice of health care facilities and the associated expenditures are compared through descriptive analyses.A multinomial logistic regression is used to identify the significant parameters which contribute towards the share of health care providers in India.The health status of two economically disparate Indian states(Bihar and Kerala)are also compared through specific metrics of performance.Results:It is seen that due to increased availability of facilities in close proximity,both rural and urban residents prefer to avail of those facilities which will result in minimization of transportation cost.The effectiveness of national health policies is found to vary on a regional scale.Literacy and health status have a strong correlation,thereby reinforcing that Bihar still lags far behind Kerala in terms of access to equitable health care.Conclusion:Therefore,a hierarchical system,incorporating medical pluralism and tailor-made policies targeted at diverse health care demands,needs to be put in place to achieve Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals as decreed by the United Nations,i.e.,“health for all”.
文摘Hypertension and obesity are two prevalent conditions that often simultaneously affect the same individual and can increase one＇s chances of cardiovascular morbidity. In Thailand, older people often seek medical attention at times when they are extremely ill. Healthy lifestyle behaviors are essential in order for one to maintain their health. Certain regimens can be initiated to manage and control health problems. However, very few know about how the elderly maintain their subjective physical well-being, while living with obesity and hypertension. This qualitative study focuses on describing health care practices and behaviors of overweight and hypertensive older people in everyday Thai society. Ten elderly people have participated in this study through purposive sampling. Qualitative data was gathered via in-depth interviews and was analyzed by using a content analysis method. The findings illustrate that health care seeking behaviors emerged from an understanding to seek health care; acting behaviors based on knowledge, and seeking health care support. Most overweight and hypertensive elderly people in Thai cultures have the desire to maintain their everyday lives by continuing their routines or traditions that were in place before seeking professional attention. This knowledge is useful in developing health care practices with wider implications such as holistic care to elderly people for alleviating their suffering by promoting healthy lifestyles and maintaining healthy blood pressure.
