Coping Strategies of Older Rural Bangladeshi Women With Health Problems

In this study we explore the strategies used by older women to cope with their ill health, in order to provide insight into how they might be drawn to use modern health services. We used qualitative methods to collect data from 17 older women living in Bibirchar Union, Sherpur District, Bangladesh. Participants reported that they utilized both emotion-focused and problem-focused strategies, and that many of these were faith-based. Health policymakers need to acknowledge these strategies in the delivery of health care if older women are to take up health promotion activities and engage with the modern health care system.