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# Illness Behavior Illness behavior is a way in which symptoms are perceived, evaluated, and acted upon by a person who recognizes pain, discomfort, and other signs of organic malfunctioning. According to David Mechanic (1960), the study of paths to healthcare is a significant component of illness...

# Illness Behavior Illness behavior is a way in which symptoms are perceived, evaluated, and acted upon by a person who recognizes pain, discomfort, and other signs of organic malfunctioning. According to David Mechanic (1960), the study of paths to healthcare is a significant component of illness behavior. However, paths to healthcare incorporate the following: 1. Referral sources and processes 2. The channel of care 3. The pattern of utilization and the factors which determine the utilization of healthcare services. ## Referral Sources The career of a patient starts right from the moment they openly express physical or psychological discomfort. This discomfort may be subjective or verifiable through clinical investigations. The expression of physical or psychological discomfort can set in motion a series of activities, some of which involve interactions with significant others. A patient may or may not be aware of his/her own volition; or, may receive encouragement to seek help from healthcare agents. The individual or agencies that assist patients to seek healthcare are regarded as referral sources. Referral agents include: 1. Next of kin (spouses, parents, children) 2. Significant others (friends, neighbors) 3. Formerly trained health personnels (e.g., general specialists, medical practitioners, social workers) 4. Head teachers, the courts, police, traditional leaders ## Referral System Referral systems are divided into: 1. **Voluntary referral system:** A patient is not forced to seek medical help; instead, he/she does so on his/her own volition. 2. **Involuntary referral system:** (omitted)