Indian Journal of Community Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Erratum: Self-Care Practices and their Association with Glycemic Indices among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Attending a Rural Health Care Facility in Karnataka.","authors":"","doi":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_809_26","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_809_26","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>[This corrects the article on p. S401 in vol. 51.].</p>","PeriodicalId":45040,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Community Medicine","volume":"51 5","pages":"935"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13645104/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149138660","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association of Lifestyle and Sociodemographic Factors with Menopause-specific Quality of Life: A Community-based Cross-Sectional Study from Northern India.","authors":"Banisha Sulthana, Tanveer Bano, Seema Jain, Ganesh Singh","doi":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_765_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_765_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL) in middle-aged women gives us an outline of ramifications of menopause in their life. This study was aimed at assessing the MENQOL among middle-aged women in urban Meerut and to determine the association of sociodemographic and lifestyle factors with MENQOL.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study among middle-aged women was conducted in the urban area of Meerut. The estimated sample size was 300. Study subjects were selected by a multistage sampling method. Data collection was done using a pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaire. Association was assessed using the Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall mean ± standard deviation score of MENQOL among study subjects was 3.1 ± 1.2. Women sleeping <5 hours in a day were 2.241 times more likely to have a poor quality of life (AOR: 2.241). In the psychosocial domain, lower middle class (AOR: 5.316) and lower class (AOR: 5.732) categories of socioeconomic classification revealed a robust association with poor psychosocial MENQOL in comparison with upper class women, with <i>P</i> values of 0.002 and 0.021, respectively. Tobacco users were significantly (<i>P</i> = 0.019) more likely (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 4.247) to encounter a poor sexual quality of life.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Half of the study participants had a good MENQOL, with significant differences in MENQOL among the different domains. It was found that shorter sleep duration impacted overall MENQOL. Domain-wise analysis showed socioeconomic status in the psychosocial domain and marital status, occupation, and tobacco usage in the sexual domain as significant predictors.</p>","PeriodicalId":45040,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Community Medicine","volume":"51 5","pages":"810-815"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13645124/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149138697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Implementation of WHO Package of Essential Noncommunicable-Based Brief Behavior-Change Interventions in Primary Care: A Quasi-Experimental Study from Himachal Pradesh, India.","authors":"Anupam Parashar, Anmol Kumar Gupta, Rajeev Marwaha, Prem Lal","doi":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_831_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_831_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Over 86% of premature deaths from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) occur in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess the impact of integrating components of the WHO's Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease (PEN) protocols on blood pressure control. Secondary objectives included evaluating changes in biological and behavioral NCD risk factors, 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, and treatment adherence.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>A quasi-experimental study was conducted in four health centers-two intervention (urban and rural) and two control sites. WHO-PEN protocols 1 and 2 were implemented in the intervention arm, where 302 patients received behavior-change interventions by trained nonphysician health workers using \"Brief Advice.\" The control arm (305 patients) received usual care. The intervention lasted six months, with follow-ups at two, four, and six months.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After six months, blood pressure control did not differ significantly between the intervention and control groups after adjustment for baseline blood pressure control, income, and family type (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.71, <i>P</i> = 0.188). In the unadjusted analysis, 88.5% of patients in the intervention arm had controlled blood pressure, with a risk difference of - 7.03 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -12.8 to - 1.27), an odds ratio (OR) of 0.57 (95% CI: 0.36-0.91), and a statistically significant association (<i>P</i> = 0.018). Significant improvements were observed in physical activity (≥150 minutes/week) with a risk difference of - 12.43 (95% CI: -22.25 to - 6.60), <i>P</i> < 0.001; vegetable consumption (-31.06, 95% CI: -34.65 to - 27.47), <i>P</i> < 0.001; and fruit intake (-41.46, 95% CI: -48.48 to - 34.44), <i>P</i> < 0.001.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Behavior-change communication by nonphysician health workers, focusing on modifiable risk factors, improved healthy behaviors among NCD patients, while blood pressure control did not improve significantly after adjustment.</p>","PeriodicalId":45040,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Community Medicine","volume":"51 5","pages":"823-832"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13645103/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149138672","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Loneliness and Its Determinants among the Elderly in an Urban Field Practice Area of a Medical College in North India: A Community-Based Cross-sectional Study.","authors":"Shubham Vivekanand Chawale, Sanjeev K Rasania, Manish K Goel, Prerna Kukreti","doi":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_771_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_771_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>Mental health disorders affect over 20% of the elderly, with depression being one of the most prevalent conditions. Loneliness plays a significant role in contributing to depression, leading to negative effects on physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. It also reduces overall quality of life and increases the risk of mortality. Despite its impact, research on gero-psychiatry remains limited, often focusing on clinical settings rather than community-based studies. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of loneliness among older adults and explore the associated factors. The present study was conducted as part of a larger study assessing depression among the elderly. However, the current manuscript specifically focuses on loneliness as an independent entity of public health importance.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Mehrauli, a field practice area for Lady Hardinge Medical College, from January 2023 to February 2024. A total of 338 elderly individuals participated. Loneliness was measured using the UCLA scale and functional ability was evaluated using the Katz Index.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most participants (74.6%) were aged 60-69 years (mean age 66.28 ± 7.12), and 53.3% were women. The overall prevalence of loneliness was 52.4%. Significant associations were found between loneliness and factors such as age, gender, marital status, education, family structure, socioeconomic status, chronic illness, and functional impairment (<i>P</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The high prevalence of loneliness among urban elderly highlights the need for timely interventions. Policies promoting social security, mental health awareness, and community engagement can help reduce its impact. NGOs and government initiatives should work together to support elderly well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":45040,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Community Medicine","volume":"51 5","pages":"816-822"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13645110/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149138160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Early Postpartum Complications and their Determinants: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital.","authors":"Arvind Sharma, Sunita Patel, Aprajita, Prince K Lodhi","doi":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_580_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_580_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The postpartum period, critical for maternal health, is vulnerable to complications such as hemorrhage, infections, and hypertensive disorders, leading to significant maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. In India, postpartum hemorrhage is a major cause of maternal deaths. Early identification and management of these complications can prevent long-term disabilities.</p><p><strong>Aim and objective: </strong>This study aimed to estimate the occurrence of early postpartum complications and their determinants among women at a tertiary care hospital in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India, from October 2023 to March 2024. During the study period, there were 4,996 postpartum admissions. Of these, 4,918 women provided informed consent and were enrolled in the study. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire covering demographic, antenatal, obstetric, and postpartum complications.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 4,918 postpartum women, 69.1% experienced complications, including pain/fatigue (63.5%), perineal morbidities (41.3%), and infections (15.5%). Higher complication rates were seen in women younger than 25 or older than 35 years, with lower education, underweight, fewer than four antenatal care (ANC) visits, inadequate iron/calcium supplementation, and short interpregnancy intervals.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Strengthening postpartum care, especially for high-risk groups such as younger and older mothers, and those with inadequate ANC, is crucial. Interventions should include ensuring at least four ANC visits, adequate iron and calcium supplementation, proper nutrition, and education on birth spacing to reduce complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":45040,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Community Medicine","volume":"51 5","pages":"893-901"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13645113/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149138725","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of Hypertension and Associated Factors among Teachers of Government and Grant-in-aid Schools of a Municipal Corporation.","authors":"Avinash M Vyas, Niravkumar B Joshi, Rajesh K Chudasama","doi":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_300_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_300_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>As per the non-communicable diseases (NCD) country profile by the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs account for 63% of all deaths in India. Almost a quarter of the Indian population is suffering from hypertension as per data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5. Hypertension is a disease and a risk factor for other diseases. There is a paucity of literature on hypertension in school teachers of Western India.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study was conducted among 750 school teachers from government and grant-in-aid schools to estimate the prevalence of hypertension and associated factors. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and Epi Info.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of hypertension in school teachers was 33.3%, with overall mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure at 125.8 ± 16.7 mmHg and 82.7 ± 10.0 mmHg respectively. In univariate analysis, a significant association was observed in factors including increasing age, total teaching experience, tobacco consumption, high body mass index (BMI), high waist-to-height ratio and mental stress. Based on the adjusted odds ratio, the factors found to be significantly associated with hypertension were increasing age [AOR 2.4 (1.3-4.6)] and high BMI [AOR 2.3 (1.2-4.5)].</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The prevalence of hypertension in school teachers is higher than the national average prevalence, which needs to be addressed by routine screening and spreading awareness.</p>","PeriodicalId":45040,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Community Medicine","volume":"51 5","pages":"885-892"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13645105/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149138692","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Willingness of Academic Stakeholders for using a Mobile Application for Learning of Community Medicine by Undergraduate Medical Students and Its Predictors - A Mixed-methods Study from Bhopal, India.","authors":"Anindo Majumdar, M Ananthakrishnan, Parneet Kaur, Shweta Sharma, Akanksha Jain, Shankar Vantepaka","doi":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_105_26","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_105_26","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>While smartphones are a valuable personalized learning aid, there is a scarcity of Indian studies specifically addressing their use for learning Community Medicine.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To understand the willingness of academic stakeholders to utilize an app in Community Medicine, if developed, and to find out the factors predicting such willingness.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A mixed-methods study using a convergent parallel design was conducted between July 2018 and January 2021 at a government-funded medical institution in Bhopal, India. This included a cross-sectional survey of 421 undergraduate medical students using a semi-structured electronic questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted. A total of 12 in-depth interviews with undergraduate students, resident doctors, and faculty were conducted, which were analyzed using thematic content analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 421 participants, 82.9% were willing to use the app, if developed. Participants with three or more apps currently installed (adjusted OR = 2.12, <i>P</i> = 0.044) and those who used medical apps based on peer recommendations (adjusted OR = 2.31, <i>P</i> = 0.008) were significantly more willing to use a subject-specific app. Conversely, students using medical apps several times a day were less willing (adjusted OR = 0.45, <i>P</i> = 0.004). Qualitative findings highlighted apps' potential for accessible, updated, and interactive learning, emphasizing time efficiency and self-paced education. Concerns included the inability of apps to replace hands-on experience, development and funding responsibility, potential for distraction, and the need for a robust feedback mechanism.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There was high willingness of academic stakeholders to use a mobile application for learning Community Medicine. Supplementing this with hands-on experiences and having feedback mechanisms was perceived as essential. Students using multiple apps can act as motivators for their peers to use the proposed app, during actual implementation.</p>","PeriodicalId":45040,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Community Medicine","volume":"51 5","pages":"911-918"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13645126/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149138679","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ayurveda and Preventive Public Health in India: A Policy Perspective for Primary Health Care.","authors":"Bhupendra Kumar, Dharti, Anita Sharma","doi":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_37_26","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_37_26","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Community medicine emphasizes health promotion and disease prevention at the population level. In India, the growing burden of lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) highlights the need for effective preventive and promotive strategies. Traditional systems that prioritize lifestyle regulation and early risk modification are therefore of increasing relevance. To discuss the preventive role of Ayurveda in the context of rising non-communicable diseases and to highlight its potential relevance for primary health care and community medicine. This viewpoint draws upon selected evidence from contemporary public-health literature, relevant policy documents, and classical Ayurvedic texts, including the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya, to discuss the preventive orientation of Ayurveda in relation to community medicine. Rather than presenting a systematic review, this article offers a conceptual perspective on how Ayurvedic principles of lifestyle regulation, dietary practices, and health promotion may complement contemporary public-health strategies for the prevention of non-communicable diseases and the strengthening of primary health care. Available literature and classical Ayurvedic principles suggest that lifestyle regulation (Dinacharya, Ritucharya), dietary discipline (Ahara, Pathya-Apathya), metabolic regulation (Agni), and ethical conduct (Sadvritta, Achar Rasayana) are conceptually aligned with contemporary public-health approaches aimed at health promotion and disease prevention. Integration of Ayurvedic lifestyle counselling, dietary guidance, and community-based practices within primary health care can support risk-factor modification for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in a low-cost, culturally acceptable manner. Ayurveda may represent a conceptual preventive framework that may complement contemporary public-health strategies. However, further high-quality evidence is required before widespread implementation can be recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":45040,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Community Medicine","volume":"51 5","pages":"780-786"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13645102/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149138744","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Decision Framework for Prioritizing Systematic Reviews Versus Primary/translational Research in Low- and Middle-income Countries.","authors":"Sudip Bhattacharya, Abha Kumari, Vanishree Ramanathan, Soumi Kundu, Chinmaya Visala Prabhakaran, Asha Bhagat, Alok Singh, Amarjeet Singh","doi":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_166_26","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_166_26","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SR/MAs) are widely regarded as the highest level of evidence and play a crucial role in informing clinical practice, public health policy, and guideline development. However, the rapid proliferation of evidence syntheses has raised concerns regarding research redundancy, publication-driven incentives, and the potential diversion of resources away from primary and translational research, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In settings characterized by large and diverse populations, evolving health systems, and substantial unmet health needs, strategic decisions regarding whether to undertake evidence synthesis or generate new evidence are increasingly important. This viewpoint proposes the Research Strategy Decision Pathway, a context-sensitive framework designed to guide researchers, institutions, and funding agencies in determining when SR/MAs are warranted and when primary or translational research should be prioritized. The framework evaluates five domains: (i) contextual specificity of the research question, (ii) availability of recent high-quality systematic reviews or meta-analyses, (iii) methodological robustness and consistency of existing primary studies, (iv) transferability of available evidence to the target LMIC setting, and (v) the potential added value of further evidence synthesis compared with new primary or translational research. A complementary scoring approach is proposed to enhance transparency and reproducibility while allowing contextual judgment to override numerical thresholds when critical limitations exist. The framework integrates concepts from research-prioritization methodologies, evidence-gap mapping, and research-waste reduction initiatives, while addressing a distinct methodological question: whether future scientific investment should focus on evidence synthesis or evidence generation. By promoting methodological proportionality rather than rigid adherence to traditional evidence hierarchies, the framework aims to reduce duplication, strengthen translational capacity, and optimize research investments. Future research should focus on Delphi-based calibration, stakeholder engagement, and empirical validation across diverse LMIC contexts to establish the framework's reliability, applicability, and policy relevance.</p>","PeriodicalId":45040,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Community Medicine","volume":"51 5","pages":"775-779"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13645100/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149138652","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Financial Burden of Out-of-pocket Health Expenditure among Older Adults in Rural Kerala: A Mixed Methods Study.","authors":"Sruthy Kalathil Babu, Subhadra Kudukkasseri Thrivikraman, V Raman Kutty, K S Shaji","doi":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_975_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_975_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The rising number of older adults in India has led to increased healthcare needs and financial challenges secondary to high out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE). Understanding the extent and impact of OOPE among community-resident older adults is crucial for developing equitable health policies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A mixed methods study was conducted among 364 older adults in Arimbur Gramapanchayath, Kerala. Quantitative data on healthcare expenses were collected using a pretested proforma, and qualitative interviews were conducted with participants reporting higher OOPE. Descriptive and thematic analyses were performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean monthly OOPE for outpatient care was INR 1,379, while the average annual OOPE for hospitalization was INR 26,094. Many participants (59.4%) lacked health insurance, and 76.8% of them preferred private healthcare. Qualitative findings indicated the presence of issues related to accessibility and availability of specialist care when needed. Financial insecurity adversely impacted the healthcare of older adults and at times led to the neglect of healthcare.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Older adults experience substantial financial strain due to healthcare costs, with inadequate insurance and reliance on private services. Strengthening of public healthcare services and efforts to reduce OOPE will help in scaling up senior care.</p>","PeriodicalId":45040,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Community Medicine","volume":"51 5","pages":"857-862"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13645109/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149138716","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}