Health Seeking Behavior of Known Type II Diabetics in Urban Population of Rohtak

Diabetes mellitus, long considered a disease of minor significance to world health is now taking its place as one of the main threat to human health in 21st century. A sizeable proportion of diabetes mellitus cases are undiagnosed& have a poor health seeking behaviour. The objective of the study was to assess Health seeking behavior of known type II diabetics in Urban Population of Rohtak. This Community based study was conducted in Urban field practice area attached to Dept. of Community Medicine PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana. All the study subjects diagnosed with type II (NIDDM) diabetes mellitus attending the urban health centres during July -December 2013 were enrolled for the study. After receiving their verbal informed consent, the patients were interviewed by employing a pretested semi-structured questionnaire that contained details about epidemiological data and health seeking behaviour of the patients. The study variables were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Out of 92 known type II diabetics, 78 consented to participate in the study. Less then half (46.2%) were receiving regular treatment. Maximum (65.4%) patients sought treatment from private practitioners. 92.3% of known diabetics resorted to dietary treatment. 88.46% were receiving drugs and 19.23% received treatment in form of injectables. Belief (73.07%) and accessisibility (53.84%) were the major reason for deciding medical aid in chronic condition like diabetes mellitus. Study highlights the need for a community based education programme to emphasize the need for life style modifications and regularity of treatment.