DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

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DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Abstract:

Health-seeking behavior among undergraduate students plays a crucial role in determining their overall well-being and academic success. This study aims to investigate the determinants of health-seeking behavior among undergraduate students in order to better understand the factors influencing their decisions regarding health-related matters. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, utilizing surveys and interviews to gather data from a representative sample of undergraduate students across various disciplines. The study examines factors such as socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and awareness of health issues, cultural beliefs, accessibility of healthcare services, and peer influence. The findings indicate that students’ health-seeking behavior is significantly influenced by their level of awareness, perceived accessibility and quality of healthcare services, and social support systems. Additionally, cultural beliefs and financial constraints also play a role in shaping students’ health-seeking decisions. The study highlights the importance of targeted interventions and educational programs to promote positive health-seeking behavior among undergraduate students, ultimately contributing to improved student health outcomes and academic performance.

Chapter One:

Introduction

Background of the Study

Health is essential for social and economic development of a country. Nearly 10 million children in developing countries such as Nigeria die each year before reaching the age of five (5) from ailments, mostly pneumonia, diarrhoea, and malaria (United Nations Children‟s Fund (UNICEF) [1]. The socio-cultural belief about the causation of disease and its curability has direct correlation with the treatment seeking behaviour of an individual. It has been observed that the timely intervention on major health problems will reduce the mortality and morbidity rates, but this is challenging in African countries where the ill often never have access to formal health care services and most deaths occur at home [2].

Notwithstanding the implementation of Primary Health Care to bridge the gaps between availability and utilization of health care services, the overall outpatient utilization of health care services in Nigeria remains low when compared with other sub-Saharan African countries (e.g 28.3% in Eritrea, 43% in Kenya, 73% in Senegal, and 75% in Malawi) [3]. A study carried out by Adeyemo, Oluwatosin and Yekinni, [4] in Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State in Nigeria among the residents of the town showed that while 85.2% of the respondents paid visits to at least one health facility within their vicinity when sick,

14.8% considered services given in these facilities inadequate and unsatisfying to them, 27.5% preferred

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traditional medicine to orthodox medicine, especially those respondents with no formal education. Many of the respondents mentioned cost and use of local herbs as the reason for their preference of traditional medicine, while some believed orthodox medicine could not work for them. A total of 12.5% respondents were unable to describe their health challenges to doctors. Only 38% routinely attended medical checkups, 11.5% did not follow doctor‟s prescriptions, 32% would buy cheaper drugs and about 30.5% were anxious when symptoms suggesting ill-health e.g swelling pains, sores, and wounds are noticed and about 43.4% will not visit the hospital when they had these symptoms. Sule, Ijaduola, Onayade, Fatusi, Soetan and Conne, [5] in their survey of a rural community in South West Nigeria found that about 44% of respondents utilized orthodox health care facilities in Ogun State when ill. The associated influences on this poor utilization of health care facilities observed were; past experiences with health services, perception about the quality and efficiency of health care services.

Once an individual is ill, he assumes a sick role and is expected to seek the services of health providers and at the same time cooperate with medical advice and expertise for complete exploitation of good health. Surprisingly, this is not so as most individuals either delay in seeking prompt orthodox medical care or prefer the use of traditional approaches which negatively affects the overall outcome of their illness [6]. According to Katung [7] and Amaghionyediwe [8], the decision to seek help and where the help will come from in relation to health is influenced by so many factors such as; individual‟s educational and economic status, severity of the symptoms of illness, sociocultural influences, distance, and quality of health care facilities, cost of treatment, individual‟s income, extent to which the individual is worried about the symptoms and duration of experiencing the symptoms. It is clear that individuals differ in their willingness to seek help from health care services. While some may go readily for treatment, others will do so only when in pains and advanced state of ill health. The choice of the health care provider consulted for a symptom is also linked to the perceived cause of symptom [6].

Young people have specific health problems and developmental needs that differ from those of children and adult. The causes of ill health in adolescents are mostly psychosocial rather than biological [9]. Young people often engage in health risk behaviours that reflect the processes of adolescent development: experimentation and exploration, including using drugs and alcohol, sexual behaviour [10]. However, seeking health help when sick by these young people can be a problem as have been observed in colleges and university campuses. According to the attendance register of the medical center, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus analyzed by the records department, less than 25% of the student visited the clinic for health related issue in a month and the students in the Faculty of Health Science and Technology are the least in attendance.

In order to seek help, students must begin by thinking there is a problem requiring professional attention. Once a student reaches out to seek help, he/she must decide where to seek help and also from whom. For example, students may turn to informal help sources such as roommates and friends. They may also seek assistance from formal help sources such as counselor or general health center staff. When students do seek help, they will continue to make decisions about the extent to which this help is still needed. Students‟ ability to carry out these help-seeking behaviours rests on a multitude of factors. Their help-seeking behaviours also depend on a host of environmental and campus- related factors, including the nature and extent of health supports or series available on campus and within the community [9]. It is in the light of the foregoing that this research was necessitated to investigate various healths seeking behavours exhibited by undergraduates in the Faculty of Health Science and Technology in their quest to be healthy.

Health-seeking behavior encompasses the actions and decisions individuals take to maintain their health, prevent illness, or seek treatment when experiencing health issues. Among undergraduate students, health-seeking behavior can significantly impact their well-being, academic performance, and overall quality of life. As a vulnerable population, undergraduate students face various health challenges, including stress, sleep disturbances, substance use, and mental health issues, which may affect their health-seeking behavior.

Understanding the determinants of health-seeking behavior in this demographic is essential for creating targeted interventions and policies that can improve health outcomes and support academic success. This chapter introduces the topic of health-seeking behavior among undergraduate students, discusses its importance, and outlines the research objectives and questions that guide this study.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Undergraduate students often face unique health challenges related to academic stress, transitioning to independent living, and exposure to new social environments. These challenges can influence their health-seeking behavior, potentially leading to delayed or inadequate healthcare decisions. Despite the importance of health-seeking behavior, there is limited research on the factors that drive these decisions among undergraduate students.

1.3 Research Objectives

The primary objective of this study is to examine the determinants of health-seeking behavior among undergraduate students. Specific objectives include:

Identifying the socio-demographic factors (e.g., age, gender, socioeconomic status) that influence health-seeking behavior.

Exploring the impact of knowledge and awareness of health issues on students’ decisions to seek healthcare.

Investigating the role of cultural beliefs and practices in shaping students’ health-seeking behavior.

Assessing the impact of accessibility and availability of healthcare services on students’ health-seeking decisions.

Analyzing the influence of peer and social support systems on students’ health-seeking behavior.

1.4 Research Questions

The study aims to address the following research questions:

What socio-demographic factors influence health-seeking behavior among undergraduate students?

How does knowledge and awareness of health issues impact students’ health-seeking behavior?

In what ways do cultural beliefs and practices shape students’ health-seeking decisions?

How does the accessibility and availability of healthcare services affect students’ health-seeking behavior?

What role do peer and social support systems play in influencing students’ health-seeking decisions?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on health-seeking behavior by focusing on undergraduate students, a population that faces unique health challenges. By identifying the key determinants of health-seeking behavior, the study provides valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and healthcare providers. The findings can inform the development of targeted interventions and support programs aimed at promoting positive health-seeking behavior among undergraduate students, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and academic performance.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on undergraduate students across various disciplines and institutions. It encompasses both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods to capture a comprehensive understanding of the determinants of health-seeking behavior. The study examines a range of factors, including socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and awareness of health issues, cultural beliefs, accessibility of healthcare services, and peer influence.

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