The Health-Seeking Behavior of the Elderly with Non-Communicable Diseases in Coastal Areas of Vietnam

Abstract

Abstract: This study aimed to analyze the utilization of health care facilities and the health-seeking

behavior of elderly people with non-communicable diseases and find the factors that affect them. A

cross-sectional study was conducted in seven coastal areas of the Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam,

using a sample of 370 elderly people aged over 60 years. Chi-square and multiple logistic regression

analyses were used to examine the factors associated with the utilization of health care services. The

participants’ average age was 69.70 (SD), and 18% of them reported having ? two non-communicable

diseases (NCDs). The results of the study showed that 69.8% of the total participants exhibited

health-seeking behaviors. The findings also revealed that elderly people living alone, and those with

an average or above-average income, had higher utilization of health care services. Participants with

multiple NCDs exhibited more health-seeking behaviors than those with only one (OR: 9.24, 95%

CI: 2.66–32.15, p = <0.001). The presence of health insurance and the need for health care counseling

were also relevant ([OR: 4.16, 95% CI: 1.30–13.31, p = 0.016], [OR: 3.91, 95% CI: 2.04–7.49, p < 0.001],

respectively). Health-seeking behavior is one of the most important positive implications for the aged

population, as it encompasses one’s physical, mental, and psychological wellbeing. Future studies

can aim at gaining an in-depth understanding of the same results, helping improve the health-seeking

behavior of elderly people, and enhancing their quality of life.