Socio-Economic Factors Influencing the Diabetic Patients Choice of Healthcare Services in Vellore, Tamil Nadu

TLDR: It is suggested that increasing formal education on patients with diabetes would help them in choosing the appropriate healthcare services and they would be able to afford healthcare charges on their own.

Abstract: Introduction: Diabetes is a global health concern and also a major contributor to mortality in most developing countries. People usually choose the best available option to derive maximum satisfaction from healthcare services. Based on this the present study has been done to the factors influencing the choice of healthcare services of diabetic patients. Objective: The main aim of this study is to analyse the factors determining the diabetic patient’s choice of healthcare services. Methods: To analyse the socio-economic factors determining the diabetic patient’s choice of healthcare services, a binary logistic regression model was used. Results: Factors such as age, education, gender, monthly income and treatment cost were found to be the determinants. People’s choice of health care services was not identical and needs to be improved. At .000 p – valve treatment cost had a significant impact on healthcare choice. Conclusion: The study suggests that increasing formal education on patients with diabetes would help them in choosing the appropriate healthcare services and they would be able to afford healthcare charges on their own.