Health Seeking Behaviour Among Rural Women of Reproductive Age in Taraba State

Health seeking behaviour among rural women of reproductive age is a critical determinant of maternal and child health outcomes in Nigeria's underserved communities. This study examines health seeking behaviour patterns and their determinants among women of reproductive age in rural communities in Taraba State, North East Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 320 women aged 15 to 49 years selected through multi-stage random sampling from six rural communities across three local government areas. A validated interviewer-administered questionnaire covering health facility utilisation, self-medication practices, use of traditional healers, knowledge of available health services, and perceived barriers was used for data collection. Findings reveal that formal health facility utilisation for non-emergency conditions is practised by only 38 percent of respondents, with traditional healers and self-medication being more common first-line responses. Antenatal care attendance is higher at 67 percent but remains below national targets. Primary barriers to formal health seeking include distance to health facilities, cost of services and medications, male partner decision-making authority, long waiting times, and perceived poor quality of care. Women with secondary education and those residing closer to functioning health centres demonstrate significantly higher formal health service utilisation. Recommendations include community health outreach programmes, training of community health extension workers, engagement of religious and community leaders, and targeted health literacy campaigns for rural women. Keywords: health seeking behaviour, rural women, reproductive age, Taraba State, barriers