UNDERSTANDING THE HEALTHCARE-SEEKING DECISIONS AMONG RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN SARGODHA DIVISION, PAKISTAN

Abstract

The rural healthcare-seeking is an iterative household process shaped by illness interpretation, distance, cost, family influence, provider availability, and previous care experiences. This qualitative study focuses upon the rural communities across Sargodha Division, Punjab, Pakistan, comprising the districts of Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, and Bhakkar. The 2026 study is designed around 35 adults who have participated in household healthcare decision during previous 12 months. Constructivist grounded theory guides purposive and theoretical sampling, semi-structured interviewing, constant comparison, memo writing & category development. Five research questions study how households recognize illness, negotiate financial, geographical constraints, use family and community networks, move between formal and informal providers, revise future choices through trust and prior experience. Analysis is organized around healthcare-seeking pathway of recognizing, negotiating, mobilizing, selecting, and reassessing. The study aims to extend patient-centered access theory that how barriers combine serially within rural households rather than operating as isolated constraints. Findings can inform transport, referral, outreach, trust-building strategies for rural health services in Punjab.