Association of diet quality and morbidity profiles with health-seeking behavior among older adults in Noakhali, Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study

TL;DR

This study explores how diet quality and health conditions affect healthcare-seeking behavior in older adults in Bangladesh.

Contribution

The study identifies specific dietary and morbidity factors associated with healthcare utilization in older adults in Bangladesh.

Findings

Consumption of pulses, vitamin A-rich vegetables, and fruits was linked to higher healthcare use.

Processed meat and baked sweets were associated with lower healthcare utilization.

Musculoskeletal pain and cardiovascular disease increased healthcare seeking, while diabetes and food allergies decreased it.

Abstract

Diet quality and morbidity profiles significantly influence health outcomes among older adults. However, their association with health-seeking behavior remains understudied in Bangladesh. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the association of diet quality and morbidity profiles with health-seeking behavior among older adults in Noakhali district, Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2024 among 400 adults aged ≥60 years at Noakhali General Hospital, Noakhali, Bangladesh. Data on socio-demographics, dietary patterns, morbidity profile, and health-seeking behavior were collected using a structured questionnaire. The mean Non-Communicable Disease (NCD)-Protect, NCD-Risk, and Global Dietary Recommendation (GDR) scores were 4.72, 1.94, and 11.77, respectively. Diabetes mellitus (98.2%) and musculoskeletal pain (44.3%) were the most prevalent morbidities. Around 30% of the participants visited healthcare providers at least once in a month. Consumption of pulses (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.927, p = 0.022), vitamin A-rich orange vegetables (aOR: 1.646, p = 0.040), and other fruits (aOR: 1.697, p = 0.034 was associated with higher healthcare utilization, while baked/grain-based sweets (aOR: 0.420, p = 0.015) and processed meat (aOR: 0.144, p < 0.001) were linked to lower healthcare use. Participants with musculoskeletal pain (aOR: 1.876, p = 0.013) and cardiovascular disease (aOR: 5.994, p = 0.003) were more likely to seek healthcare, while those with food allergies (aOR: 0.256, p < 0.001) and diabetes mellitus (aOR: 0.147, p = 0.047) were less likely. Moderate diet quality and specific morbidity profiles influence health-seeking behavior among older adults in Noakhali, Bangladesh. Therefore, the findings suggest that targeted dietary and healthcare interventions may enhance healthcare utilization and overall well-being of this vulnerable population.

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