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Health Help-Seeking Behavior: The Scavengers’ Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Beenish Malik

    (Department of Sociology, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Management and Technology, C-II Block Johar Town, Lahore 54770, Pakistan)

  • Novel Lyndon

    (Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia)

  • Yew Wong Chin

    (Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia)

  • Basharat Hussain

    (Department of Sociology, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Management and Technology, C-II Block Johar Town, Lahore 54770, Pakistan)

  • Sehrish Malik

    (Azman Hashim International Business School, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Malaysia)

Abstract

Scavengers are prone to various health problems, hence seeking healthcare is inevitable. Despite the importance of the help-seeking behavior of scavengers, it has not been addressed explicitly in the existing literature. Addressing this gap, this study intends to explore the help-seeking behavior of scavengers and to identify the factors that influence healthcare utilization among them. This qualitative study conducted thirty-one in-depth interviews through a semi-structured interview guide and analyzed them using thematic analysis. Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Service Use was employed to explore the findings. The findings showed that the scavengers utilized multiple healthcare options depending on the severity and reoccurrence of the illness. The process of help-seeking and health services utilization was largely influenced by the cost of the health service, long distance to the health facility, traveling cost and waiting time. The study highlights the need for scavengers’ enrolment in micro health insurance schemes. The initiative would facilitate scavengers’ access to medical care. Health awareness campaigns and the provision of free mobile medical services, especially at the landfill sites, would also improve curative treatment among scavengers.

Suggested Citation

  • Beenish Malik & Novel Lyndon & Yew Wong Chin & Basharat Hussain & Sehrish Malik, 2022. "Health Help-Seeking Behavior: The Scavengers’ Perspective," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-15, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:11:p:6457-:d:824472
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Abdulrhman Alsubaie & Novel Lyndon & Ali Salman & Kwok Chin Hoe, 2021. "The Enlivenment of Public Opinion in the New Era: Exploring the Power of Social Media on Political Consciousness in Saudi Arabia," Humanities and Social Sciences Letters, Conscientia Beam, vol. 9(2), pages 209-219.
    2. Beenish Malik & Novel Lyndon & Yew Wong Chin, 2020. "Health Status and Illness Experiences of Refugee Scavengers in Pakistan," SAGE Open, , vol. 10(1), pages 21582440209, March.
    3. Bachok Norsa’adah & Omar Salinah & Nyi Nyi Naing & Abdullah Sarimah, 2020. "Community Health Survey of Residents Living Near a Solid Waste Open Dumpsite in Sabak, Kelantan, Malaysia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-14, January.
    4. Abdulrhman Alsubaie & Novel Lyndon & Ali Salman & Kwok Chin Hoe, 2021. "The Enlivenment of Public Opinion in the New Era: Exploring the Power of Social Media on Political Consciousness in Saudi Arabia," Humanities and Social Sciences Letters, Conscientia Beam, vol. 9(2), pages 209-219.
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