Urbanization, multi-morbidities and preference for health care facility: an insight from Rajasthan, India

Abstract

India experiences rapid pace of urbanization with increasing elderly population and changing disease profile creating new set of health care demands. The study made a novel attempt by exploring the prevalence of morbidities, multi-morbidities along with preferred healthcare facility substantiated by its reasons among the older adults aged 50+ living in urban Rajasthan based on a primary survey. The higher prevalence of single morbidity compared to multi-morbidity reflects the possibility of future healthcare needs. Poisson regression estimates identified the elderly belonging to the non-SC/ST/OBC group and the non-poor household in the age group of 60+ at higher risk of multi-morbidities. The Government hospitals overall enjoy higher acceptance though the reasons vary from their efficiency to lacuna in other healthcare providers. The study suggests incorporating the factors shaping the preferences to develop a suitable healthcare centre for the elderly and the expansion of government healthcare schemes. Successful ageing can get a boost by adequately addressing their healthcare needs.