Health Service Seeking Behaviors (A Study of Putalibazar Municipality Ward No-2, Syangja)

Abstract

This thesis entitled "Health Service Seeking Behaviors A Study in Putalibazar Municipality Ward No-2, Syangja" (previously Rangbhang VDC2) had overall objective to uncover the situation of medical pluralism present

in

the research area. Ward No.2 of the Putalibazar municipality was purposively selected as sample ward and census method was used to collect the data from the selected ward. The research was conducted among 81 female respondents of each household in the community. A set of semi structured questionnaire schedule was used to collect the information from the respondents along with observation. Also key information interview was conducted in the data collection process. Findings of the study revealed that there is presence of modern/allopathic medicine, home base treatment practice, faith healing, drug peddlers, pray base healing, aayurved, homeopathy etc. as plural form of medical practice. The choice among all above multiple services has different determining factors. Conceptual and situational factor of the individual was found stronger than other factors like age, ethnicity, education, income source etc. The conditions at the time of illness (Health problem) are more determining situation for the choice of health service. The availability, accessibility and quality are some parameters used to select service by the patient. Psychological and self-understanding and evaluation of the health problem are also another salient determinant. It was found that almost all available services were used by all the respondents. Most respondents were found to be using one after another in the failure of first one. It can be concluding that patients do not satisfy at any one type of service and they search for other better options. Due to which there exist multiple/plural healing practice in the community.