Author: Luckymoni Debnath
AIT Library Call Number: AIT Thesis no.DS-23-08
Year: 2023
Academic Program: Development and Sustainability (DS)
Type: Thesis (M.Sc.) – Asian Institute of Technology, 2023
Examination Committee: Mokbul Morshed Ahmad (Chairperson); Takuji W. Tsusaka, Joyee S. Chatterjee (Examination Committee Members)
Abstract: This research addresses a notable gap in global literature by examining the multifaceted aspects of social inequality that elderly from socially disadvantaged ethnic minority backgrounds in lower-middle-income countries. The research objectives include understanding RTWs’ living conditions, health perceptions, healthcare access, challenges in obtaining healthcare, and strategies employed to meet healthcare needs. The study, conducted in ten tea gardens, involves a well-structured mix of quantitative and qualitative methods to comprehensively investigate the well-being and healthcare needs of RTWs. The Household Survey Questionnaire constitutes the primary quantitative component, with 208 participants evenly split between male and female respondents. Additionally, 16 In-Depth Interviews with caregivers and 16 Key Informant Interviews provide in-depth insights and expert perspectives. Moreover, 24 participants engaged in Focus Group Discussions, combining caregivers and RTWs to capture diverse viewpoints. This mixed method research findings highlight several key issues, including the prevalence of poverty among RTWs, the life expectancy of females is higher than males, The education level of RTWs found that 99% were below primary school and 59% lack of access to safe drinking water and 66.8% sanitation facilities, and dissatisfactory housing conditions. The study identifies lifestyle choices influenced by socio-economic factors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption. Among RTWs, chronic diseases were found in 23.5%, and critical diseases were found in 42.3% while 72.6% & 27.4% exhibited limited & restricted mobility respectively. A key finding of the research is that while multiple caregivers are involved in elderly care, the family remains the primary source. Many RTWs also face exclusion due to their ethnic minority status and old age. Accessibility and affordability of healthcare services emerge as significant barriers, as 99% of RTWs prefer seeking treatment at Tea Garden Hospitals d
Scholarship Donor(s): AIT Scholarships
Note: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Development and Sustainability, School of Environment, Resources and Development
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