Perceived Factors Influencing Health-Seeking Behaviour among Pregnant Women in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Maternal health is a global concern, and Nigeria, like many other countries, faces challenges in ensuring that pregnant women receive timely and appropriate healthcare. This study aims to identify the factors that influence health-seeking behavior among women of reproductive age attending clinics at selected Primary Health Care Centers in Minna,
State. A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 244 women of reproductive age attending antenatal clinics in Minna, Niger State, across three (3) health facilities. Simple random sampling was used to select the participants. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result indicated that 51 (29.7%) fall within the 18-25 years old category while 50 (29.1%) are between 26 and 30 years. Substantial portion (38.4%) of respondents cited distance to the hospital as a determining factor in their health-seeking behavior. The time it takes to see a doctor 34(19.8), and the harsh ways the health workers treat people 50(29.1) are other factors observed and etc. This emphasizes the practical challenges that geography can pose to accessing healthcare services. The study concludes that addressing poor health-seeking behavior among women of reproductive age requires a multifaceted approach. Furthermore, the study makes several recommendations on how to improve health-seeking behavior among women of reproductive age.