Exploring the Health-seeking Behavior and

Overcoming Challenges in Accessing Health Facilities:

A Study in Urban Bengaluru, India
Maria Sabastin Sagayam, Amrita School of Business, Bengaluru, India (s_mariasabastin@blr.amrita.edu)
Angan Sengupta, Amrita School of Business, Bengaluru, India(angan.and@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT
In urban India, the dynamics of health-seeking behavior pose critical challenges to
the effective utilization of healthcare facilities. This study delves into the
complexities of health-seeking behavior and the hurdles faced in accessing health
services in urban settings. Rapid urbanization and a burgeoning population
intensify the strain on healthcare facilities, influencing how individuals approach
and navigate the healthcare landscape. The diverse socio-economic fabric of urban
India contributes to varied health-seeking patterns. While some residents have easy
access to advanced healthcare, many encounter obstacles in seeking timely and
affordable services. This study explores the multifaceted factors influencing
health-seeking behavior, including economic constraints, cultural considerations,
and awareness levels. Challenges in utilizing health facilities are underscored by
disparities in the quality and accessibility of services. Tertiary healthcare
institutions may excel in providing specialized care, but primary healthcare centers
often grapple with resource limitations. The study employs a mixed-methods
approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to unravel the
intricacies of health-seeking behavior. Findings highlight the need for targeted
interventions to address economic disparities, enhance cultural competence in
healthcare delivery, and improve awareness about available services. Additionally,
the study underscores the importance of strengthening primary healthcare
infrastructure to alleviate the burden on specialized facilities. Understanding
health-seeking behavior and the challenges in utilizing health facilities is
paramount for crafting effective healthcare policies in urban India. The insights
derived from this study can inform strategies to promote equitable access, enhance
healthcare utilization, and improve overall health outcomes in the urban context.

Keywords: Health-seeking behavior, Healthcare facilities, Urban India, Socio-

economic disparities, Healthcare utilization