Exploring the Experience of Elders in Accessing Healthcare Services: A Case of Dodoma City Council.

Materu, Thomson C. (2025) Exploring the Experience of Elders in Accessing Healthcare Services: A Case of Dodoma City Council. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study explores how social and cultural factors shape healthcare seeking behaviors among elderly people in Dodoma City, Tanzania. Using qualitative methods guided by the Social Model of Disability and Cumulative Disadvantage Theory, it finds that cultural beliefs, gender roles, and faith significantly influence how elders understand illness, choose treatments, and engage with healthcare services. Many attribute sicknesses to spiritual or supernatural causes, while gender norms and economic dependency limit timely medical care. Although faith and community networks offer emotional and social support, they can also delay biomedical treatment. The study concludes that elderly healthcare should be culturally sensitive, gender-aware, and inclusive combining traditional, spiritual, and biomedical practices. It recommends strengthening gerontological training, health education, and social protection to promote fair access and dignified ageing in Tanzania. Keywords: Elderly healthcare, socio-cultural determinants, cultural beliefs, gender roles, faith, ageing, Dodoma City, Tanzania.

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