Association of diet quality and morbidity profiles with health-seeking behavior among older adults in Noakhali, Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study

Diet quality and morbidity profiles significantly influence health outcomes among older adults. However, their association with health-seeking behavior remains understudied in Bangladesh. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the association of diet quality and morbidity profiles with health-seeking behavior among older adults in Noakhali district, Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2024 among 400 adults aged ≥60 years at Noakhali General Hospital, Noakhali, Bangladesh. Data on socio-demographics, dietary patterns, morbidity profile, and health-seeking behavior were collected using a structured questionnaire. The mean Non-Communicable Disease (NCD)-Protect, NCD-Risk, and Global Dietary Recommendation (GDR) scores were 4.72, 1.94, and 11.77, respectively. Diabetes mellitus (98.2%) and musculoskeletal pain (44.3%) were the most prevalent morbidities. Around 30% of the participants visited healthcare providers at least once in a month. Consumption of pulses (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.927, p = 0.022), vitamin A-rich orange vegetables (aOR: 1.646, p = 0.040), and other fruits (aOR: 1.697, p = 0.034 was associated with higher healthcare utilization, while baked/grain-based sweets (aOR: 0.420, p = 0.015) and processed meat (aOR: 0.144, p < 0.001) were linked to lower healthcare use. Participants with musculoskeletal pain (aOR: 1.876, p = 0.013) and cardiovascular disease (aOR: 5.994, p = 0.003) were more likely to seek healthcare, while those with food allergies (aOR: 0.256, p < 0.001) and diabetes mellitus (aOR: 0.147, p = 0.047) were less likely. Moderate diet quality and specific morbidity profiles influence health-seeking behavior among older adults in Noakhali, Bangladesh. Therefore, the findings suggest that targeted dietary and healthcare interventions may enhance healthcare utilization and overall well-being of this vulnerable population.