Understanding Healthcare Avoidance among Elderly in India: Perceptions of Medical Expenditure as a Barrier to Hospital Treatment

Abstract

Healthcare avoidance among the elderly is a significant issue globally, with perceptions of medical expenditure often serving as a barrier to hospital treatment. This review explores the phenomenon of healthcare avoidance among the elderly in India, focusing on the perceptions of medical expenditure and its implications for healthcare access and outcomes. The review examines factors contributing to healthcare avoidance, including financial constraints, access barriers, cultural beliefs, and negative experiences. It highlights the impact of healthcare avoidance on health outcomes, emphasizing the need for timely diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the review provides an overview of the demographic profile of the elderly population in India, challenges in healthcare infrastructure, and existing policy initiatives. Empirical evidence from studies examining perceptions of medical expenditure among the elderly in India is synthesized to understand the complexities of healthcare avoidance. Sociocultural and economic factors influencing healthcare avoidance are analysed, emphasizing the role of cultural beliefs, socioeconomic status, and family dynamics. Policy implications and interventions to address barriers related to medical expenditure are discussed, alongside the importance of community engagement and education initiatives. The review concludes by underscoring the need for collaborative efforts from policymakers, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders to mitigate barriers to healthcare access among the elderly in India and improve health outcomes for this demographic.