The Contributions of Religious Beliefs and Practices on Access to Healthcare Services by the Elderly in Bagamoyo District Pwani Region, Tanzania

Religious beliefs significantly influence healthcare access among elderly individuals in Tanzania, particularly in Bagamoyo District, yet their specific contributions remain inadequately understood in current healthcare delivery systems. With 57% of elderly individuals avoiding health facilities when sick due to various barriers, understanding the religious dimensions becomes crucial. This study examined the contributions of religious beliefs and practices on access to healthcare services by the elderly in Bagamoyo district, anchored in Jean Watson's Theory of Transpersonal Caring (1979), which emphasizes caring as more effective in supporting health than medical treatment alone. The study employed a mixed-method research design, targeting 4,998 elderly individuals aged 60 years and above attending health facilities in Bagamoyo district. Using Krejcie and Morgan's formula, and a proportional formula a sample of 239 respondents was determined, though 237 actually participated. Data was collected through structured questionnaires, key informant interviews with 15 medical officers, and 11 focus group discussions. The instruments' reliability was validated using Cronbach's Alpha, yielding coefficients of 0.7733 for unstandardized items and 0.8086 for standardized items. Data analysis combined descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and thematic analysis. The study found a statistically significant positive relationship between religious beliefs and healthcare access (β = 0.384, p = 0.007), with 47.3% of respondents demonstrating high religious engagement. Religious beliefs explained 3.1% of variance in healthcare access, while 89.8% of respondents affirmed the positive role of religious institutions in providing psychological healing services. However, 84% reported their religious affiliations lacked formal health programs for the elderly, though 95.8% of religious institutions endorsed regular use of government healthcare facilities. The study concludes that religious beliefs significantly influence elderly healthcare access, though they represent one of several contributing factors. Healthcare providers and religious institutions should establish formal partnerships to enhance elderly healthcare access by leveraging existing religious networks and community trust, while developing dedicated healthcare programs that integrate preventive care with spiritual activities. Keywords: Religious Beliefs and Practices, Access to Healthcare Services, Elderly, Bagamoyo District, Pwani Region, Tanzania