📖 ABSTRACT/OVERVIEW
The health-seeking behaviour of elderly populations in rural North Central Nigeria is shaped by economic constraints, cultural beliefs, and geographic access limitations, and its documentation in Kogi State provides evidence for geriatric health policy design. This study assessed health-seeking behaviour and its determinants among persons aged 60 and above in Lokoja, Ibaji, and Kabba-Bunu Local Government Areas, Kogi State. A cross-sectional survey of 250 elderly persons collected data on chronic disease status, preferred health provider type, distance to nearest health facility, insurance coverage, and economic barriers. Formal healthcare was the first choice for only 43.2 percent. Traditional healing was sought first by 28.8 percent, and self-medication by 21.6 percent. Health insurance coverage was 8.8 percent. Distance above five kilometres was significantly associated with informal care-seeking (OR = 3.1, p < 0.001). Financial inability to pay was cited by 57.2 percent as the primary barrier. Recommendations include expanding NHIA coverage to rural elderly populations, deploying community health extension workers for home-based elderly care, establishing village health posts in underserved Kogi LGAs, and culturally sensitive health education campaigns for elderly communities. Keywords: health-seeking behaviour, elderly, Kogi State, rural health, geriatric health These findings highlight that financial and geographic barriers are the dominant constraints to healthcare access for elderly persons in rural Kogi State.
Need Complete Chapters of the Above Topic?
Get high-quality, Zero-AI research materials with current citations.
Request via WhatsApp 💬