HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR FOR ANEMIA SYMPTOMS AND ITS DETERMINANTS IN RURAL AND URBAN HARYANA: A COMMUNITY-BASED STUDY

Background: Anemia remains a major public health problem in India, with significant morbidity and reduced quality of life. Health-seeking behavior for anemia-related symptoms plays a crucial role in early diagnosis and management but remains inadequately explored, particularly in community settings.

Objectives: To assess health-seeking behavior for anemia-related symptoms and its determinants among adults in rural and urban field practice areas of a tertiary care hospital in Haryana.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2025 among 450 adults (225 rural, 225 urban) selected using multistage sampling. Data were collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, anemia-related symptoms, health-seeking behavior, and awareness. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. Chi-square test and logistic regression were applied to identify significant associations and predictors.

Results: Overall, 60.0% of participants reported at least one anemia-related symptom, with a significantly higher prevalence in rural areas (64.4% vs 55.6%, p=0.048). Among symptomatic individuals, 66.7% sought treatment; however, only 45.2% demonstrated appropriate health-seeking behavior. Urban participants showed significantly better practices compared to rural counterparts (56.0% vs 35.9%, p=0.001). Financial constraints, lack of awareness, and accessibility issues were major barriers, particularly in rural areas. Higher education, better socioeconomic status, urban residence, and adequate awareness were significant predictors of appropriate health-seeking behavior, with awareness being the strongest predictor (AOR=2.50, p<0.001).

Conclusion: Health-seeking behavior for anemia-related symptoms remains suboptimal, especially in rural populations. Strengthening awareness, improving accessibility, and addressing socioeconomic barriers are essential to enhance timely healthcare utilization and reduce anemia-related morbidity.