Abstract
BACKGROUND: India is facing dual challenges caused by a rapid increase in burden of non-communicable diseases, marking epidemiological transition and an unprecedented expansion of geriatric population. The elderly faces a higher burden of disease due to a decline in their physical and immune systems, resulting in greater need and utilization of healthcare. The expanding geriatric population is inadequately supported by appropriate healthcare services which is essential for healthy ageing. Out-of-pocket expenditure on health carries significant adverse impacts. In order to lessen the financial burden of out-of-pocket medical expenses, the healthcare needs of the elderly ought to be addressed. OBJECTIVES: To assess the healthcare utilization pattern and out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare among geriatric population in central Kerala. METHODOLOGY: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 elderly individuals, systematically sampled from 5 randomly selected wards of Adat Gram Panchayat in Thrissur district, Kerala. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, healthcare utilization and healthcare expenditure were collected using a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire by one-to-one interview. Appropriate statistical tests were used for analysis. RESULTS: Mean age of respondents was calculated to be 72.64 ± 7.42. Majority (63.3%) preferred to utilize private health facility. 88.7% followed modern system of medicine. 43.3% had availed health insurance. Most commonly reported morbidities among elderly were Diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. The median direct medical cost was ?3000 (?560, ?4200) while the median direct non-medical cost was ?300 (?200, ?500). The total median out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare among elderly was ?3550. CONCLUSION: Increasing burden of chronic diseases in elderly, high private healthcare utilization and suboptimal health insurance coverage leads to an increase in out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare. Measures should be adopted for strengthening of health services and expanding insurance coverage among elderly, which in turn will reduce burden of out-of-pocket health expenditure.