# Drivers and Cultural Influences on Healthcare‐Seeking Behaviors Among Ethnic Minority Older Adults in Rural Southwestern China: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

## TL;DR

This study explores how cultural factors and personal experiences influence healthcare decisions among older ethnic minorities in rural China.

## Contribution

The study is the first qualitative investigation into healthcare-seeking behaviors of ethnic minority older adults in rural Southwestern China.

## Key findings

- Participants often self-manage minor health issues and seek care only for serious conditions.
- Cultural beliefs significantly shape how health problems are interpreted and addressed.
- Healthcare decisions are influenced by personal experiences and real-life circumstances.

## Abstract

Understanding the healthcare‐seeking behaviors of minority older adults is crucial for advancing health equity and enhancing health outcomes. To date, no qualitative research has specifically examined the healthcare‐seeking behaviors of ethnic minority older adults in China. The study seeks to elucidate the driving factors and cultural influences on health‐seeking behaviors among ethnic minority older adults in rural Southwestern China.

Guided by the integrated symptom‐response framework—which explains how individuals interpret and respond to symptoms—a qualitative descriptive study was conducted, involving semi‐structured interviews with sixteen adults. The study's interview guide and thematic analysis were informed by this theoretical perspective.

Five themes emerged from the study. These included (1) self‐care for minor ailments, (2) seeking healthcare for serious conditions, (3) interpretation of health‐related factors, (4) understanding of diseases/symptoms within traditional ethnic cultural contexts, and (5) dynamic considerations based on experience and reality.

The findings of this study offer critical insights for healthcare professionals and policymakers on the cultural determinants impacting the healthcare‐seeking behaviors of ethnic minority older adults. By understanding these factors, targeted interventions and policies can be implemented to enhance cultural sensitivity within healthcare services.