Health Seeking Behaviour among University Staff in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Y. A. Arigbede

Abstract


The health seeking behaviour of workers is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that encompasses the actions and decisions individuals make in response to their health needs. This behaviour is influenced by various factors, including personal beliefs, socio-economic status, access to healthcare services, and workplace environments. Understanding the health seeking behaviour of University Staff is crucial for developing effective strategies to promote occupational health and well-being. The tool for data collection utilised by the study was 384 copies of close ended questionnaire. This was equally administered between academic and non-academic staff of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The aim of the study was to examine the health seeking behaviour among university staff in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. This was achieved through some specific objectives which were to: identify the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of respondents in the study area, evaluate the health status of the respondents in the study area, examine respondents’ attitude to healthcare in the study area and to assess respondents’ accessibility to healthcare in the study area. The data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the results showed that Malaria (48.4%) and typhoid (25.1%) were the most common ailments suffered by university staff. The results also showed that 93% of the respondents sought healthcare in events of ill health. To get to the place of treatment, 51% of the staff were transported by private vehicles, compared to those who went on foot (15.2%). To improve health-seeking behaviour among university staff, it is recommended that institutional policies should prioritise enhancing healthcare facilities, expanding health insurance coverage, and promoting awareness on preventive healthcare measures. Moreover, strategies to improve transportation and accessibility to healthcare facilities should be implemented to reduce the burden of delayed or inadequate medical care.


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References


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