Health needs and health-care-seeking behaviour of street-dwellers in Dhaka, Bangladesh

摘要: The study objective was to ascertain the extent which need for primary health care services among street-dwellers is being met through existing facilities. This community-based cross-sectional conducted in Dhaka city over a 12-month period from June 2007 May 2008. population included ever-married females and males aged 15-49 years. Data were collected community survey exit interviews. Both bivariate multivariate analyses done. Seventy-two per cent of female 48% male interviewed sick at time data collection. Twenty-one deliveries on street. Eighty-nine reported that their children less than 5 years had more one symptom associated with acute respiratory infection during last 2 weeks. Thirty-seven 34% accompanied diarrhoea. A few sought problems, most went nearest pharmacy mobile clinics run by non-governmental organization night. Eighty-eight 88% used open space defecation. are extremely vulnerable terms needs health-care-seeking behaviours. There no service delivery mechanism targeting this marginalized group people. Although health, nutrition sector programme Bangladesh designed programmes ensure equitable essential all, people not targeted. Ministry Health Family Welfare private sectors should, thus, should focus future meet group. Mobile static night may be potential programmes. Action research assess effectiveness before large-scale implementation.