Dialogues in health最新文献

{"title":"Exploring the interpretive processes of symptom perception among diabetes patients in eastern region of Ghana","authors":"Isaac Nyarko Kwakye","doi":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100260","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100260","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and aim</h3><div>Illness perception has emerged as a critical factor influencing self-care behaviours, psychological distress, and health outcomes among patients with diabetes. However, there is limited understanding of how individuals with diabetes in Ghana cognitively interpret their symptoms. Therefore, this study explored the interpretive processes of symptom perception among diabetes patients in the Eastern Region (Koforidua) of Ghana.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Using a qualitative design grounded in interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 purposively selected participants attending the diabetes clinic at Koforidua Regional Hospital. The interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach was used to analyze the qualitative data.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Two main themes with their subthemes were identified: symptoms identification (increased urination and sweet-smelling urine, persistent thirst and hunger, noticeable weight loss; routine check-up/blood pressure; blisters, foot sore, non-healing wounds), and patients' perception (perception of diabetes as “disease of the rich”; belief in spiritual or supernatural causation; diabetes as a life-threatening and unpredictable condition). Symptom interpretation was shaped not only by personal experiences but also by sociocultural beliefs and community narratives. These interpretations highlight how cultural frameworks influence illness representation and health-seeking behaviours, consistent with the Common-Sense Model of illness perception.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study concludes that patients do not interpret symptoms in isolation but integrate them into broader belief systems, which significantly shape their responses to illness. To improve diabetes outcomes, public health interventions should prioritize culturally sensitive education that addresses misconceptions, enhances symptom recognition, and strengthens health literacy at the community level. Such strategies can empower patients to seek timely care, reduce late diagnosis, and improve self-management, particularly in resource-limited settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72803,"journal":{"name":"Dialogues in health","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100260"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145622764","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beyond poverty alleviation: The impact of child support grants on healthcare access and contraception use in South Africa","authors":"Norman Tafirenyika Nhede,&nbsp;Adrino Mazenda,&nbsp;Dymon Gondwe","doi":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100228","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100228","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examines the impact of Child Support Grants (CSGs) on access to medical care and contraception use in South Africa, investigating whether social assistance can enhance healthcare access beyond its primary aim of alleviating poverty. While previous research highlights CSGs' poverty reduction and welfare enhancement effects, little is known about their effects on healthcare and reproductive healthcare access, especially given South Africa's healthcare disparities. Using data from the first wave of the 2020 National Income Dynamics Study—Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey (NIDS-CRAM), this study employs mediation analysis to analyse the effects of CSG receipt on healthcare and contraception access while controlling for socio-economic factors. The findings indicate a complex relationship. CSGs have a positive but insignificant indirect effect on healthcare and contraception access and a significant negative direct effect, suggesting that the current grant structure may not adequately address existing barriers. The results highlight the need for policy changes, indicating that while CSGs are vital as a social safety net, their effectiveness in improving healthcare access could be enhanced through increased grant amounts and targeted interventions to address healthcare costs and structural barriers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72803,"journal":{"name":"Dialogues in health","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100228"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144587597","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Proton radiotherapy outperforms medulloblastoma irradiation with photons in economic savings in Brazil (PROMISE)","authors":"Gustavo A. Viani ,&nbsp;Carlos E. Cardoso ,&nbsp;Ana Carolina Hamamura ,&nbsp;Helio A. Salmon ,&nbsp;Gustavo O. Amaral","doi":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100241","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100241","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of proton therapy compared to photon therapy for pediatric medulloblastoma treatment from the payer's perspective in Brazil, assessing its economic viability and potential to improve long-term outcomes by reducing late complications.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>A Markov chain model simulated outcomes for a cohort of 5-year-old children with medulloblastoma over a 30-year horizon. The base case involved craniospinal irradiation (36 Gy) with a 54 Gy posterior fossa boost, tracking 11 health states, including hearing loss, cognitive deficit, and coronary artery disease (CAD), with CAD and congestive heart failure (CHF) onset after 10 years. Annual transition probabilities were derived from systematic reviews. Costs (photons: US$3000; protons: US$50,000) reflected Brazilian and international data, with a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of US$50,000/QALY. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), net monetary benefit (NMB), and probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) via Monte Carlo simulations (1000 iterations, 25,000 patients) were calculated using Python 3.11.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Proton therapy yielded 20.45 QALYs at US$102,933, versus 16.87 QALYs at US$141,971 for photons, with an ICER of -US$22,857/QALY, indicating dominance. PSA showed a mean NMB of US$70,290 (95 % CI: US$42,377–US$98,662), with protons cost-effective in &gt;95 % of simulations. Survival at 30 years was 40.5 % (protons) versus 27.1 % (photons), driven by reduced late effects (e.g., 68 % vs. 45 % cumulative events).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Proton therapy is a cost-effective, dominant strategy for pediatric medulloblastoma in Brazil, offering superior outcomes and cost savings. These findings support its adoption through innovative funding models like public-private partnerships.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72803,"journal":{"name":"Dialogues in health","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100241"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145324523","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of pharmacovigilance knowledge and ADR reporting skills in undergraduate medical students using the OSPA model","authors":"T.Y. Sree Sudha ,&nbsp;Kusum Kumari ,&nbsp;C. Vasantha Kalyani ,&nbsp;Monika Kankarwal ,&nbsp;K.S.B.S. Krishna Sasanka","doi":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100227","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100227","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Pharmacovigilance (PV) and adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting are essential components of ensuring medication safety. However, many healthcare students have limited knowledge in these areas. This study evaluates the pharmacovigilance knowledge and ADR reporting skills among undergraduate medical and nursing students.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional study was conducted at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Deoghar, with 190 undergraduate healthcare students. Participants completed a validated structured questionnaire assessing their pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting knowledge. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0, with descriptive statistics to present the results.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The findings revealed that 35 % of students had limited knowledge of pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting, while 52 % demonstrated a moderate level of understanding. A majority were aware of the importance of pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting, although they faced challenges in completing ADR reports accurately.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Although students exhibited a basic understanding of pharmacovigilance, significant gaps were found in their ability to effectively report ADRs. These findings underscore the need for enhanced pharmacovigilance education within healthcare curricula, ensuring students are adequately prepared to apply their knowledge in clinical settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72803,"journal":{"name":"Dialogues in health","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100227"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144564068","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Empowering diabetes care: Patient practices and the role of mobile health – A qualitative exploration","authors":"Jayvardhan Singh ,&nbsp;Ramesh Kumar Sangwan ,&nbsp;Shiv Kumar Mudgal ,&nbsp;Ramesh Kumar Huda","doi":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100231","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100231","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Effective diabetes management relies on medical treatment and self-care practices, yet many individuals face challenges in adhering to prescribed routines. With the rise of mobile health (mHealth), there is potential to enhance self-management through regular reminders, guidance, and support. This qualitative study explores patient practices in managing diabetes and the role of mHealth in influencing their behaviours and outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>The study employed semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 14 individuals living with diabetes who had received SMS reminders and utilized the feedback application services as part of their diabetes management. Participants got education regarding self-care routines, including medication adherence, diet, exercise, and blood glucose monitoring. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns related to diabetes management practices, patient challenges, and the role of mHealth.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Participants expressed positive feedback on the SMS and app-based services, which promote medication adherence and provide valuable health information. Challenges in diabetes management include physical limitations, social pressures leading to dietary lapses, time constraints, and concerns about receiving spam or misleading information via SMS. However, they recommended improvements, such as guidance on treatment, dietary advice, and the inclusion of interactive features like sugar level tracking.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>mHealth has the potential to enhance diabetes self-management significantly, and patient feedback suggests a need for more personalised, interactive, and comprehensive support. Addressing these recommendations alongside patients' physical, social, and financial challenges could improve health outcomes and foster more effective diabetes management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72803,"journal":{"name":"Dialogues in health","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100231"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144665481","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effect of digital health intervention in promoting healthy behavior: A systematic scoping review on strategies to prevent non-communicable diseases","authors":"Zahroh Shaluhiyah ,&nbsp;Shabrina Arifia Qatrannada ,&nbsp;Aditya Kusumawati ,&nbsp;Mohammad Shahgahan Miah","doi":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100258","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100258","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Digital health interventions are increasingly used to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by promoting healthy behaviors, yet evidence on which digital features are most effective remains fragmented. This systematic scoping review aimed to (1) identify the most commonly used types of digital interventions and their target populations for NCD prevention, (2) examine the primary objectives associated with each digital feature, and (3) assess their effectiveness in improving knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A comprehensive search was conducted across seven databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, JSTOR, Medline, CINAHL, and ProQuest). Following PRISMA guidelines, 20 peer-reviewed studies published between 2018 and 2024 met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted on digital features, intervention objectives, and outcomes related to knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Messaging platforms were the most common (<em>n</em> = 7), followed by gamification, mobile applications, and wearables. Most interventions aimed to promote behavior change, especially those using mobile apps, messaging, and wearable tools. Similar digital features served different objectives depending on content design. Across studies, knowledge outcomes improved by 10–95 %, attitudinal outcomes by 2–40 %, and behavioral outcomes by 4–95 %. Messaging platforms showed the largest improvements in both knowledge and behavior, while gamification yielded moderate gains. Aligning digital tools with target users and intended outcomes enhanced overall impact.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Messaging platforms and mobile applications emerged as the most frequently used and effective digital features for NCD prevention. Multi-feature interventions and platform–outcome alignment appear crucial to maximize effectiveness in digital health programs promoting healthy behavior.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72803,"journal":{"name":"Dialogues in health","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100258"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145578570","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Water, sanitation, and hygiene challenges in last-mile artisanal mining communities in Ghana and Uganda","authors":"David Owiredu ,&nbsp;Hanna Chidwick ,&nbsp;Betty Kwagala ,&nbsp;Deborah Mensah ,&nbsp;Lydia Osei ,&nbsp;Lydia Kapiriri","doi":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100233","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100233","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is critical for public health but remains inadequate in marginalized areas, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa's artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) communities. Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in these settings face unique challenges that impact their health and wellbeing.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to assess WASH access among adolescent girls and young women (aged 10–24) in last-mile ASM communities in Ghana and Uganda, identifying disparities and factors influencing access.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional, mixed-methods design was employed between March and May 2022 in selected ASM communities in Ghana and Uganda. The quantitative component included a sample of 1618 AGYW (808 in Ghana, 810 in Uganda) recruited through random household selection. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires adapted from validated sources, covering socio-demographics, water sources, sanitation, and hygiene practices. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were conducted, stratified by country, to examine associations between WASH access and sociodemographic factors. For the qualitative component, AGYW, community leaders, district officers, policymakers, and global experts were purposively selected. Data was collected through focus group discussions and in-depth/key informant interviews conducted in local languages. Thematic analysis was performed using NVivo 12, with illustrative participant quotes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Quantitative findings showed that 86.2 % reported access to improved water sources, but only 10.1 % had access to improved toilet facilities. In Ghana, 83 % lacked any toilet facility; in Uganda, 65 % used unimproved latrines. Water access was associated with religion and education in Ghana, and toilet access was linked to residence and wealth in both countries. Qualitative findings revealed concerns about water quality, reliability, distance to water points, and major sanitation challenges, especially for women and girls. Cultural norms and mining-related environmental impacts further exacerbated WASH vulnerabilities.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Significant disparities in WASH persist in ASM communities, particularly for sanitation. Context-specific, community-engaged interventions are urgently needed to address these gaps and promote health equity for AGYW in rural mining settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72803,"journal":{"name":"Dialogues in health","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100233"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144908284","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Overhearing hushed voices: Using unobtrusive methods to uncover the work-related sentiments of people with epilepsy","authors":"Asha Rao,&nbsp;Surendra Sarnikar","doi":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100244","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100244","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Despite high unemployment and discrimination, disability is often overshadowed by race and gender in workplace diversity discussions. This study sought to uncover the work-related sentiments of people with epilepsy (PWE) in their own voices. Epilepsy is a stigmatized invisible disability wherein first-person accounts are difficult to uncover because of stigma. Hence, the discussion on accommodation, inclusion and access for PWE is driven by others, rather than people with epilepsy. By hearing from PWE, workplace solutions can be more relevant to their needs</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>We use unobtrusive data mining of discussions by PWE by studying anonymous posts on the Epilepsy Foundation community forum over a 16-year period. We examine their sentiments, beliefs, and emotions impacting work for people with epilepsy (PWE), and analyzed perceptions of discrimination to understand what organizations can do better to be inclusive and supportive at work</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>We found that PWE sentiments around work were more positive compared to nonwork sentiments. Their work sentiments were analytical, achievement oriented and associated with positive emotions. Work was associated with love and affiliation. However, PWE posts were broadly also more anxious, health centered and tentative reflecting their fears around their health and stigma in employment</div></div><div><h3>Originality</h3><div>This study is unique in using unobtrusive data mining techniques to analyze the challenges faced by people with disabilities. To our knowledge, there is no such study of adults with epilepsy and the workplace. The methodology used reduces response bias. Questions about disability are difficult to answer for people who face stigma around their disability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72803,"journal":{"name":"Dialogues in health","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100244"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145264737","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors influencing well-being among first-generation students of color pursuing graduate-level degrees in public health: A qualitative study","authors":"Kimberly Wu ,&nbsp;Sunshine Best ,&nbsp;W. Marcus Lambert ,&nbsp;Shokufeh Ramirez ,&nbsp;Christine M. Arcari ,&nbsp;Katherine P. Theall ,&nbsp;Dovile Vilda","doi":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100242","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100242","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Diversifying the public health workforce is essential for improving services to all communities. First-generation students of color (FGSOC) are a population who may face unique academic, financial, and health barriers when pursuing graduate-level degrees in public health. This study explored the needs and experiences of 25 recent FGSOC graduates from graduate-level public health programs through interviews. Participants were recruited through snowball and quota sampling to prioritize individuals identifying as Black, Hispanic/Latine, and American Indian/Native Alaskan. Five main themes were developed using reflexive thematic analysis: (1) lived experiences facilitate FGSOC interest in public health, (2) challenges of navigating structural barriers of academic institutions, (3) interplay of support to meet needs and complete graduate degrees, (4) impact of limited resources on health, and (5) coping strategies for maintaining health. Subthemes were also identified and include participants' firsthand experience with health disparities in their families and communities, the additional effort needed to uncover and navigate academic “hidden curricula,” and the importance of cultivating a network to meet emotional and academic needs during their training. Findings highlight how FGSOC are driven by formative experiences to pursue public health, yet face structural barriers and multiple priorities that strain their well-being during their graduate training. Recommendations informed by study findings and existing literature are organized across the following domains: institutional accountability and investment, financial education and transparency, career development and workforce readiness, accessible mental health resources, and food security.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72803,"journal":{"name":"Dialogues in health","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100242"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145218945","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Healthcare access and utilisation trends among the elderly in India: Evidence from the LASI Wave-1 survey","authors":"Dhruvendra Lal ,&nbsp;Amrit Virk ,&nbsp;Ashish Goel ,&nbsp;Sonu Goel ,&nbsp;Kavisha Kapoor Lal ,&nbsp;Suneela Garg ,&nbsp;Bhavneet Bharti","doi":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100232","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dialog.2025.100232","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Population ageing is a global trend, driven by increased life expectancy, which has led to a rise in chronic diseases and greater healthcare needs among older persons. Despite the implementation of national policies and initiatives such as the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE), Ayushman Bharat and the National Health Policy 2017, older persons, particularly in rural areas, still face barriers to accessing healthcare, including cost, distance, and the quality of care. Socio-economic factors continue to play a key role in healthcare utilisation. This study examines the healthcare access and utilisation patterns and identifies associated determinants among older persons using nationally representative data.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study analysed cross-sectional data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Wave I Survey (2017–18), which included 31,902 individuals aged 60 years and above. Data from the Individual Schedule was analysed, focusing on healthcare utilisation and related factors. Binary logistic regression was conducted to assess factors influencing outpatient (OPD) and inpatient (IPD) service use. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were reported, and a <em>p</em> value of &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Lack of health insurance reduced OPD use (aOR: 0.869, <em>p</em> = 0.006). Females were less likely to use IPD services (aOR: 0.818, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001), while individuals aged &gt;90 years had higher odds (aOR: 1.470, p &lt; 0.001). Religion, socioeconomic status, and literacy significantly influenced utilisation. Christians and Buddhists had higher IPD use; Muslims and Sikhs had lower odds. Richer groups were less likely to use both services. Limited literacy was linked to reduced OPD use. The North-East reported the highest OPD expenses and travel distances.</div></div><div><h3>Interpretations</h3><div>There is a pressing need to address healthcare access gaps among older persons through targeted policies and improved outreach. Expanding affordable health insurance can reduce out-of-pocket costs and improve health outcomes in India's ageing population, addressing key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1,3,10 and 11.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72803,"journal":{"name":"Dialogues in health","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100232"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144878701","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}