LAUSR

Abstract Bangladesh is suffering from a higher burden of childhood mortality and morbidity. However, data healthcare seeking behavior for illness, particularly among the children, is lacking. We used the most recent data of Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) Bangladesh 2019. The study included children under 5 years who had diarrhea, fever/cough in the two weeks preceding the survey were included. The study used two-stage stratified cluster sampling method drawn from a nationally representative sample. The study found that 28.0% and 25.6% of the children suffering from diarrhea and fever/cough sought formal healthcare services during illness. Children’s age (0 – 11 months), and maternal education (higher secondary+) were identified as the common predictors of formal healthcare seeking behavior for diarrhea and fever/cough. Ensuring the availability and accessibility of health facilities and various health education programs can contribute in this regard.