Nigerian Medical Journal

ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Year
: 2018  |  Volume : 59  |  Issue : 5  |  Page : 45--49

Appraisal of healthcare-seeking behavior and prevalence of workplace injury among artisans in automobile site in Abakaliki, Southeast Nigeria


Benedict Ndubueze Azuogu1, Nelson Chibueze Eze2, Victoria Chioma Azuogu3, Cosmas Kenan Onah2, Edmund Ndudi Ossai1, Adaoha Pearl Agu1 
1 Department of Community Medicine, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
2 Department of Community Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
3 Department of Nursing Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria

Correspondence Address:
Benedict Ndubueze Azuogu
Department of Community Medicine, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
Nigeria

Background: Healthcare-seeking behavior is a decision-making process governed by an individual's conduct, community norms, and expectations, as well as provider-related characteristics and manners. This study determined factors associated with healthcare seeking behavior of automobile artisans in Abakaliki. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey of 380 artisans was carried out. Respondents were selected using multi-stage sampling method and semi-structured interviewer administered pretested questionnaire was used to gather information. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, and the Chi-squared test was used to test for association at 5% level of significance. Results: The mean age of the artisans was 31.3 ± 10.3 years, and the mean monthly income was N15277. Less than half of the respondents (47.7%) sought medical care in pharmacy/patent medicine stores. A significant association was found between distance to the facility for medical care and period of delay before seeking care (P = 0.01). Bruises (45.3%) and cuts (32.3%) were the most prevalent injuries sustained in the preceding 12 months. A significantly high proportion of those who had bruises and cuts traveled >6 km to seek care and less than half of the respondents (47.6%) who reside within 5 km radius to place of medical care patronized pharmacy/patent medicine shops. However, higher proportion of those with cuts (52.0%) and burns (62.5%) compared to other types of injury went to the hospitals no matter the distance. Conclusions: The artisans have poor health-seeking behavior and majority sought medical care in pharmacy/patent medicine shops rather than hospitals. However, a significant proportion of those with injuries used hospitals regardless of the distance. It is, therefore, imperative to establish healthcare facilities within 5 km radius from where they live and work.


How to cite this article:
Azuogu BN, Eze NC, Azuogu VC, Onah CK, Ossai EN, Agu AP. Appraisal of healthcare-seeking behavior and prevalence of workplace injury among artisans in automobile site in Abakaliki, Southeast Nigeria.Niger Med J 2018;59:45-49


How to cite this URL:
Azuogu BN, Eze NC, Azuogu VC, Onah CK, Ossai EN, Agu AP. Appraisal of healthcare-seeking behavior and prevalence of workplace injury among artisans in automobile site in Abakaliki, Southeast Nigeria. Niger Med J [serial online] 2018 [cited 2024 Mar 28 ];59:45-49
Available from: https://www.nigeriamedj.com/article.asp?issn=0300-1652;year=2018;volume=59;issue=5;spage=45;epage=49;aulast=Azuogu;type=0