Project – Socio Economic Factors Influencing Health Seeking Behaviour among Patients Attending General Out Patient Clinics

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1.  Background to the Study

The health-seeking behavior of individuals is a complex phenomenon influenced by a myriad of socio-economic factors. Understanding these factors is crucial for improving healthcare access and outcomes. One of the primary socio-economic determinants is income level. According to Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, individuals with higher income levels are more likely to seek medical care due to their ability to afford healthcare services and related costs (Andersen, 1995). Conversely, those with lower income levels may delay or avoid seeking care due to financial constraints, leading to poorer health outcomes (Gulliford et al., 2002).

Education is another significant factor influencing health-seeking behavior. Educated individuals are generally more aware of health issues and the importance of seeking timely medical care. They are also more likely to understand medical information and adhere to treatment regimens (Grossman, 2006). A study by Caldwell (1986) highlights that higher educational attainment is associated with increased utilization of healthcare services, as education enhances individuals’ ability to navigate the healthcare system and advocate for their health needs.

Employment status and occupational factors also play a critical role in health-seeking behavior. Employed individuals, particularly those with stable jobs, often have better access to healthcare through employer-provided insurance and benefits (Ross & Mirowsky, 1995). However, the nature of one’s occupation can also impact health-seeking behavior. For instance, individuals in high-stress or physically demanding jobs may prioritize work over health, delaying medical consultations (Karasek & Theorell, 1990).

Cultural and social norms significantly influence health-seeking behavior as well. In many communities, traditional beliefs and practices can either facilitate or hinder the utilization of modern healthcare services. For example, in some cultures, there is a preference for traditional healers over conventional medical practitioners, which can delay the seeking of appropriate medical care (Helman, 2007). Social support networks, including family and community ties, can also impact decisions to seek care, as they provide emotional and sometimes financial support (Berkman & Glass, 2000).

Access to healthcare facilities is another crucial factor. Geographic location and transportation availability can significantly affect an individual’s ability to seek medical care. Rural areas often face challenges such as fewer healthcare facilities, longer travel distances, and limited public transportation options, which can deter individuals from seeking timely medical attention (Penchansky & Thomas, 1981). Urban areas, while generally having more healthcare facilities, may still present barriers such as overcrowding and long wait times.

Socio-economic factors such as income, education, employment, cultural norms, and access to healthcare facilities play a pivotal role in shaping health-seeking behavior. Addressing these factors through targeted policies and interventions can improve healthcare access and outcomes for patients attending general outpatient clinics. Future research should continue to explore these dynamics, considering the evolving socio-economic landscape and its impact on health behaviors.

1.2   Statement of the Problem

Health-seeking behavior refers to the actions individuals take when they experience symptoms of illness or health problems, such as deciding to seek care from health professionals, choosing a healthcare facility, or opting for home remedies. This behavior is often influenced by a range of socio-economic factors, including income, education, occupation, social class, and cultural beliefs. In many developing countries, including various regions within sub-Saharan Africa, a significant portion of the population continues to rely on general outpatient clinics (GOPCs) for healthcare. These clinics are often the first point of contact for patients, especially those in rural or underserved areas. However, there are significant variations in the health-seeking behavior of patients attending these clinics, which is influenced by their socio-economic status.

One key socio-economic factor that affects health-seeking behavior is income. People with higher income levels tend to seek care more promptly and from a wider range of healthcare providers, including private clinics and specialists. In contrast, individuals from low-income backgrounds may face financial constraints that prevent them from seeking medical attention until conditions worsen. High out-of-pocket costs, transportation expenses, and the inability to afford medications or diagnostic tests contribute to delayed care, self-medication, and reliance on traditional or alternative healthcare sources. The affordability of healthcare services thus plays a crucial role in determining whether patients will seek medical care at all and whether they will attend GOPCs as their primary healthcare facility.

Education is another influential socio-economic determinant. Educated individuals tend to have greater awareness of health issues, preventive care, and the importance of timely medical consultation. They are more likely to seek professional healthcare at the first sign of illness and adhere to prescribed treatments. On the other hand, lower educational levels are often associated with limited health literacy, misconceptions about illness, and greater reliance on informal health sources, such as family members, herbal treatments, or traditional healers. In addition, individuals with lower levels of education may have a reduced understanding of the benefits of early medical intervention, leading to delays in seeking care until health problems become severe.

Occupation and social class further exacerbate disparities in health-seeking behavior. Occupation can influence the ability to take time off work for healthcare visits, with those in formal employment or higher-status jobs more likely to have paid leave, insurance coverage, and the flexibility to access healthcare services. In contrast, individuals in informal employment, often in lower-paying jobs, may face challenges such as loss of income, job insecurity, and lack of health insurance, all of which discourage them from seeking timely medical attention. These occupational barriers also intersect with social class differences, where those from lower social strata may experience additional challenges such as discrimination, limited access to healthcare infrastructure, and greater social stigmatization regarding seeking professional help.

Cultural beliefs and practices, often shaped by socio-economic conditions, also influence health-seeking behavior. In some communities, health beliefs may prioritize traditional medicine or spiritual healing practices over modern medical care. Individuals from certain cultural backgrounds may view Western medicine with skepticism or distrust, especially if healthcare facilities are perceived as being too expensive, impersonal, or lacking in culturally competent care. Socio-economic conditions, such as low income and limited access to healthcare, may reinforce the reliance on traditional medicine, which is often more affordable and accessible than formal healthcare services. However, this reliance may lead to delays in receiving appropriate treatment and exacerbate health problems in the long term.

Finally, the accessibility and availability of healthcare services play a pivotal role in shaping health-seeking behavior. Socio-economic factors, such as geographic location and infrastructure, determine how easily individuals can access general outpatient clinics. In rural areas, where healthcare facilities are often distant, transportation costs, long waiting times, and the absence of trained healthcare providers may deter individuals from seeking medical care. Even in urban areas, issues such as overcrowding in public health facilities, insufficient healthcare resources, and long queues may discourage patients from seeking care at GOPCs. These challenges are often compounded for patients from lower socio-economic backgrounds, who may have fewer alternatives and greater barriers to healthcare access. Understanding how socio-economic factors influence health-seeking behavior is critical for improving healthcare delivery and reducing health inequities across different populations.

1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine Socio Economic Factors Influencing Health Seeking Behaviour among Patients Attending General Out Patient Clinics. The specific objectives are:

1. To identify the socio-economic factors that influence health seeking behavior among patients attending general out-patient clinics.
2. To examine the relationship between income levels and health seeking behavior among patients.
3. To assess the impact of education level on health seeking behavior among patients.
4. To investigate the role of social support networks in influencing health seeking behavior.

1.4. Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What are the specific socio-economic factors that influence health seeking behavior among patients attending general out-patient clinics?
2. How does income level relate to health seeking behavior among patients?
3. What is the impact of education level on health seeking behavior among patients?
4. How do social support networks influence health seeking behavior among patients?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Education Level has no significant influence on health seeking behavior among patients

H1: Education Level has significant influence on health seeking behavior among patients

1.6.  Significance of the Study

The significance of this study lies in its potential to provide a deeper understanding of how socio-economic factors influence health-seeking behavior among patients attending General Outpatient Clinics (GOPCs). By examining the impact of income, education, occupation, social class, and cultural beliefs on the decisions patients make when seeking healthcare, the study can shed light on the barriers and facilitators to accessing timely medical care. This knowledge is essential for policymakers, healthcare providers, and public health officials who aim to design interventions that improve health outcomes by addressing the root causes of delayed or inadequate care, especially in underserved and low-income populations.

One of the key contributions of this study is its ability to inform healthcare policy. In many developing and low-income countries, health systems are often overburdened, and there is a need for evidence-based strategies that optimize healthcare delivery. By identifying socio-economic factors that influence patient behavior, the study can guide the development of policies that aim to reduce health disparities, promote equitable access to healthcare, and ensure that vulnerable populations receive the care they need. For example, targeted interventions such as subsidized healthcare for low-income individuals or educational programs to improve health literacy can be developed based on the findings of this study.

Additionally, the findings of this study have the potential to improve healthcare service delivery in GOPCs. Health-seeking behavior is not only influenced by the availability of medical services but also by how accessible and user-friendly these services are to patients from various socio-economic backgrounds. By understanding the challenges faced by patients, healthcare providers can adopt strategies that cater to the specific needs of different socio-economic groups. For example, GOPCs could implement flexible clinic hours, mobile healthcare services, or telemedicine options to make care more accessible to working individuals or those from rural areas. Moreover, training healthcare workers to be sensitive to the socio-economic challenges faced by patients can improve patient-provider communication and trust, leading to better patient outcomes.

The study’s significance also extends to public health, as it can inform preventive health programs targeting at-risk populations. Health-seeking behavior is not only about accessing care when ill, but also about adopting preventive measures to reduce the incidence of disease. Socio-economic factors such as education and income directly influence an individual’s ability to engage in preventive healthcare practices, such as vaccinations, screening, and healthy lifestyle choices. By understanding these dynamics, public health campaigns can be tailored to address specific barriers that prevent individuals from seeking preventive care. For instance, individuals with lower education levels may benefit from simplified health messages, while those with financial constraints may require assistance with the cost of preventive services.

Another significant aspect of this study is its potential to reduce health inequalities. Socio-economic disparities in health-seeking behavior contribute to the widening gap in health outcomes between different socio-economic groups. People from lower socio-economic backgrounds are often more likely to experience worse health outcomes due to delayed or inadequate care. By identifying the specific socio-economic factors that impede access to healthcare, the study can contribute to the development of strategies that aim to bridge the gap between socio-economic classes in terms of health access and outcomes. This could involve initiatives such as community-based health programs, financial assistance for low-income individuals, and increased investment in health infrastructure in underserved areas.

Finally, this study can contribute to the broader field of social determinants of health by highlighting how economic and social factors are deeply intertwined with health outcomes. Understanding that health is not solely a medical issue but a social one that is shaped by socio-economic conditions will encourage a more holistic approach to health policy and intervention design. By emphasizing the importance of addressing socio-economic factors that influence health-seeking behavior, the study can promote a more comprehensive approach to health equity, one that incorporates both medical and social interventions. This could ultimately lead to healthier populations, greater health system efficiency, and a reduction in the long-term burden of disease, particularly in settings where resources are limited.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines the Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Health Seeking Behaviour among Patients Attending General Out Patient Clinics. The study is limited to General Hospital, Kowa Kaduna.

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

1. Socio-Economic Factors: Socio-economic factors refer to the social and economic conditions that influence an individual’s life, opportunities, and behavior. These factors typically include income, education, occupation, social class, cultural background, and access to resources. They affect people’s living standards, health, and quality of life. In healthcare, socio-economic factors can determine access to medical services, health knowledge, preventive practices, and the ability to afford treatment. For example, people with higher incomes may have better access to quality healthcare services, while those with lower incomes may face financial barriers to seeking care.
2. Influence: Influence refers to the power or ability to affect someone’s actions, decisions, or behavior. In the context of healthcare, influence refers to the various factors—such as socio-economic conditions, personal beliefs, or external pressures—that can shape individuals’ decisions to seek medical care, the type of care they pursue, and the timing of their healthcare-seeking actions. For instance, a person’s socio-economic status may influence whether they seek care early for an illness or delay it due to financial concerns or lack of awareness.
3. Health Seeking Behaviour: Health-seeking behavior refers to the actions and decisions individuals make when they experience health problems or symptoms. It encompasses a range of behaviors, including whether or not a person decides to seek professional healthcare, the type of healthcare service they choose (e.g., general outpatient clinics, hospitals, traditional healers), and how soon they seek care after the onset of symptoms. Health-seeking behavior is influenced by multiple factors, such as personal health beliefs, socio-economic conditions, cultural norms, and accessibility of healthcare services.
4. Patients: Patients are individuals who require medical care or treatment, typically due to illness, injury, or other health conditions. Patients may seek care from healthcare providers like doctors, nurses, or specialists in different settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, or other healthcare facilities. In the context of outpatient clinics, patients are those attending a clinic for consultations, diagnoses, treatment, or preventive care. Patients’ characteristics, such as age, gender, socio-economic status, and health beliefs, can influence their health-seeking behavior and their interaction with the healthcare system.
5. General Out Patient Clinics (GOPCs): General Outpatient Clinics (GOPCs) are healthcare facilities where individuals receive non-emergency medical care without being admitted to a hospital. These clinics are often the first point of contact for patients seeking care for common health issues, such as minor illnesses, preventive services, and routine check-ups. In many countries, GOPCs serve as the primary healthcare setting for patients who need consultations, diagnostics, prescriptions, and follow-up treatments. GOPCs are usually less expensive than hospitals and are designed to provide basic health services to a wide range of patients, particularly those with chronic conditions or who require regular monitoring.

Project – Socio Economic Factors Influencing Health Seeking Behaviour among Patients Attending General Out Patient Clinics