Health Seeking Behaviour in Rural Areas in Uttar Pradesh: A comparative study of Migrant and Non-Migrant household

Awareness about the innovation of health seeking behaviour leads adoption/practice of particular techniques. India’s 69 per cent of the population living in the rural areas (Population Census of India, 2011) and still usage of better health facilities are out reach of the rural residents.
The present study was conducted in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh (UP). This region is one the backward regions of India and it is characterised by agricultural economy, lack of industries and natural resources. According to the Population Census of India (2001) highest rural out-migrants rates were in UP. The highest rural out-migration rates was from Bundelkhand regions of UP. We have interviewed 360 farmers from six villages in two districts equally.
Study shows that migrant household was more health conscious and better aware about the health seeking mechanisms than non-migrant household. Member of the migrant household have better socio-economic status and more exposure about the urban life style due to migration. Migrant households have not faith in the herbal and religious practice for treatment. Most of the migrant households have used private hospital for the treatment as they have better economic conditions.