DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOR AMONG PATIENTS AGED ABOVE 18 YEARS ATTENDING KIBAALE HEALTH CENTRE IV, KIBAALE DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background:

In Uganda, 19% of people suffer from illnesses monthly but 17% of them do not seek health care services with 21% practicing self-medication. These practices have contributed to a persistently high mortality rate of 10.2 deaths per 1000 population. This study was intended to assess the determinants of health-seeking behavior among patients above 18 years attending Kibaale health center IV, in Kibaale district. 

Methodology:

The study used a cross-sectional descriptive study design that employed quantitative data collection methods. A sample size of 30 respondents who were selected using a simple random method was used. Questionnaires were used to obtain data from respondents which was presented in the form of tables, pie charts, and graphs using Microsoft Excel program.

Results:

Individual determinants were, 13(43.3%) were aged 46 – 60 years, 11(36.7%) had attained primary education, 28(93.3%) did not own a medical insurance and 19(63.3%) had long time illness.  Socio-cultural determinants ranged from; 19(63.3%) being recommended to use traditional medicine by their cultures, 19(63.3%) being encouraged by their religious leaders to seek medical help to treat illnesses and 17(56.7%) having motorcycles as means of transporting sick individuals to the health center. With regards to health facility-related determinants; 25(83.3%) reported unavailability of drugs, 15(50%) waited for more than 2 hours before receiving medical care and 13(43.3%) reported lack of privacy.

Conclusion:

The health facility characteristics and socio-cultural norms and teachings greatly hindered the health-seeking behavior as compared to individual determinants. 

Recommendation:

Health workers need to sensitize communities on the need to seek health care services even for minor illnesses as this could promote utilization of services by individuals without chronic illnesses.