Health-seeking behaviour of traders: a case study of three markets in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
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Abstract
Background: Health impacts every aspect of human life, and is largely shaped by individuals’ health-seeking behaviours (HSBs). Understanding factors influencing health-seeking behaviour is crucial for improving health outcomes. This study aimed to determine the HSBs of traders in three markets in Uyo, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 389 market traders in Uyo selected via a multi-stage sampling method. Data collected with interviewer-administered questionnaires were analysed using STATA 15.0 at p< 0.05.
Results: The mean age of the respondents was 36.7±12.2 years. Majority had at least a secondary level of education (80%) and 72.8% were females. The most common health challenges of the respondents were generalised body pain/weakness (77.6%), fever (74.8%) and headaches (49.9%). Their most preferred treatment locations were healthcare facilities (41.4%), patent medicine shops (40.4%) and traditional medicine dealers (32.9%). More than half (57.3%) had poor health-seeking behaviour. Reasons for low utilisation of health facilities included high cost of healthcare services (53.0%), prolonged waiting time (28.5%), long distance to the health facilities (9.3%) and individual perception of the severity of illnesses (4.4%). Good HSB increased with increasing age and level of education, and a decrease in daily working hour (p<0.01).
Conclusion: Health facility utilization by traders was low in this study. These highlights the need to make healthcare services more affordable to the populace. Efforts should also be made to reduce waiting time so as to improve patronage by this occupational group.
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