Year: 2026 | Month: January-March | Volume: 11 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 181-194
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/gijhsr.20260122
Determinants of Healthcare Utilization in Rural Nagaland, India: The Case of Yanmhon Village in Wokha District
Zujanbeni M Lotha1, Suraj Beri2
1PhD Scholar at Department of Sociology, Nagaland University, Lumami, Nagaland, India
2Assistant Professor at Department of Sociology, Nagaland University, Lumami, Nagaland, India
Corresponding Author: Zujanbeni M Lotha
ABSTRACT
Despite improvement in national health policies and programs, the health performances in Nagaland are among the lowest in the country. The intra state disparity in healthcare facilities and treatment still exist in the state. This paper provides an in-depth analysis on the healthcare utilization as influenced by various underlying factors. Thirteen households and one health personnel were selected based on purposive and random sampling in Yanmhon old village of Wokha district, Nagaland. Semi structured interview schedule gathered the data during July, 2024. The present study informed that while the public health centre exhibited no financial barrier, peoples’ health needs cannot be satisfactorily met. Villagers were deprived of healthcare services either due to non-availability of basic necessities or absence of health personnel in the village primary health centre. In times of healthcare utilization outside the village, the social determinants through family and community intervention were observed. The health service limitations are compensated by the community’s arrangements. The study thus suggests an inclusive approach for an equitable healthcare delivery.
Keywords: health, rural, determinants, healthcare utilization, healthcare infrastructure