Healthcare utilisation patterns among individuals with noncommunicable diseases in rural households of Chengalpattu district: A community-based cross-sectional study

Background: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in India, posing significant challenges to healthcare access and utilization, especially in rural settings. Aims: The aim of the study was to assess healthcare utilization patterns and their determinants among individuals diagnosed with NCDs in rural households of Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 randomly selected households, identifying 201 individuals with NCDs. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression were used to analyze associations between healthcare utilization and sociodemographic factors. Results: Among NCD-affected individuals, 57.2% utilized private healthcare services, while 42.8% used government facilities. Education and gender were significantly associated with healthcare utilization ( P < 0.05), with higher education predicting greater private healthcare use (adjusted odds ratios = 0.386, 95% confidence interval: 0.168–0.889). Insurance coverage and type showed no significant association with healthcare utilization. Conclusions: Private healthcare remains the preferred choice for NCD management despite low insurance coverage, with education emerging as a key determinant of care-seeking behavior. Strengthening public healthcare services and improving financial protection are essential for equitable NCD care in rural settings.