Abstract

Background: Population ageing is accelerating rapidly in Viet Nam, resulting in increasing healthcare needs among older adults. Healthcare behaviors in this population are shaped not only by health status but also by cultural and social factors, particularly in rural settings. However, empirical evidence on the influence of cultural determinants on healthcare behaviors among older adults in Viet Nam remains limited. Objectives: This study aimed to (1) describe healthcare behaviors among older adults in selected rural communes of Thai Nguyen Province and (2) examine the association between cultural and health-related factors and these behaviors. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 528 adults aged 60 years and older residing in Phu Binh District, Thai Nguyen Province, from December 2024 to December 2025. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Chi-square tests were used to assess associations between healthcare behaviors and sociodemographic, health-related, and cultural factors. Results: Regular health check-up utilization was limited despite high self-rated health and health insurance coverage. Public hospitals and commune health stations were the primary sources of care, while barriers to healthcare access included distance to healthcare facilities, transportation difficulties, and long waiting times. Sociodemographic characteristics, including sex, age, educational attainment, ethnicity, economic status, and health insurance coverage, were not significantly associated with healthcare behaviors (p > 0.05). In contrast, recent illness or symptoms, the presence of a primary caregiver, earlier bedtime, use of traditional remedies, and participation in community-based healthcare activities were significantly associated with more favorable healthcare behaviors (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Healthcare behaviors among older adults in rural Viet Nam were predominantly associated with health experiences and cultural– social factors, while no significant associations were found with sociodemographic characteristics.