Health Care Seeking Behaviour Among Market Traders In Ibarapa Central Local Government, Nigeria

Abstract

This study identifies the health problems of traders and their health seeking behaviours.A descriptive cross-sectional study of all adult traders in Igboora and Idere, Nigeria was done with the use of a questionnaire. A total of 313 traders were interviewed. Age of respondents ranged between 18 and 59 years, most (82.4%) were females. The common health problems were musculoskeletal (55.9%), febrile illnesses (46.6%) and genitourinary tract problems (3.2%). The treatment options used during last illness were self medication (59%), herbs (23%) , rest (13%), others (5%). Factors associated with using health facility when ill include nature of illness (musculoskeletal) (P= 0.009), encouragement by family (P=0.004) and previous education about illness by health worker (P=0.001). Those who had been educated about illness were less likely to delay before presentation during subsequent illness (P= 0.001).There is a need to intensify health education to encourage appropriate health care seeking behaviour.