Exploring Healthcare-Seeking Behavior and Barriers among Rickshaw Pullers in Bashundhara, Dhaka

Abstract

This study examines healthcare-seeking behavior among rickshaw pullers in the Bashundhara area of Dhaka, emphasizing their preferences, barriers to formal care, and potential policy responses. Using a convenience sampling approach, structured interviews were conducted with 500 rickshaw pullers, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in Excel. The findings show that 76% of respondents prefer visiting pharmacies rather than consulting qualified physicians, despite recognizing the comparatively lower effectiveness of pharmacy-based treatment. Financial hardship, convenience, limited health awareness, and low educational attainment were identified as key determinants of this preference. Moreover, 74% reported delaying treatment during illness due to income instability and family responsibilities, while only 24% sought direct consultation with registered doctors. This study uniquely highlights the healthcare vulnerabilities of an underrepresented informal workforce group within a specific urban setting. However, the cross-sectional design, small sample size, and geographic limitation restrict the generalizability of the findings. The results underscore the urgent need for targeted, community-based interventions, including expanded formal healthcare access, awareness initiatives, mobile health services, and affordable insurance schemes to improve healthcare utilization among this marginalized population.

IUBAT Review—A Multidisciplinary Academic Journal, 9(1): 101-119