V.Y ADAM

Background: Traditional health practices (THP) remain prevalent among women of reproductive age in Nigeria, often intersecting with modern healthcare utilization. In Nigeria, the use of traditional medicine is deeply embedded in cultural and social life, and women of reproductive age are particularly vulnerable to its associated risks. Egor Local Government Area of Edo State reflects these broader national challenges, with cultural beliefs, economic constraints, and limited access to modern healthcare identified as key drivers of THP utilization. Few studies have specifically assessed THP utilization using a comprehensive multi-dimensional approach in this urban Nigerian setting. Objectives: This study assessed the types of traditional health practices, providers, perceived benefits and risks including the factors associated with its use among women of reproductive age in Egor LGA, Benin City. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Six hundred and thirty- six women of reproductive age (15–49 years) residing in selected communities across Egor LGA were recruited using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed with IBM SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression were performed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 636 women participated with a response rate of 100%. The mean age of respondents fell within the 15 – 25 years age group, and most were married 296 (46.5%), predominantly Christian 559 (87.9%), with tertiary education accounting for 352 (55.4%) and the majority engaged in trading or self-employment (43.4%). Overall, 236 (37.1%) reported utilizing THP within the preceding 12 months. Herbal preparation was the most widely used practice 209 (88.6%), followed by traditional birth attendant 69 (29.2%). Among the respondents 313 (49.2%) perceived THP as beneficial, while 316 (49.7%) regarded THP methods as safe. However, 44 (18.6%) reported adverse effects, most commonly stillbirth 17 (38.6%), and 34 (77.3%) sought medical care following complications. Marital status (χ² = 115.783, p < 0.001), educational level (χ² = 58.495, p < 0.001), religion (χ² = 21.043, p < 0.001), and monthly income (χ² = 48.243, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with THP utilization. Cost of modern healthcare was the predominant factor associated with traditional health practices

Background: Health beliefs and health-seeking behaviours are major determinants of women’s health outcomes, particularly in reproductive health. In Nigeria, women of reproductive age face multiple challenges, including cultural and religious norms, socioeconomic constraints, and limited access to quality healthcare, all of which delay or prevent timely care-seeking. These barriers contribute significantly to the country’s high maternal morbidity and mortality rates. Understanding how health beliefs shape health-seeking behaviour is therefore essential for improving women’s engagement
with formal healthcare services and reducing preventable complications. Objective: This study aimed to assess health beliefs, health-seeking behaviours and the influence of these health beliefs on the health-seeking behaviour of women of reproductive age in Oredo
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 2024 to 2025among 590 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling method, and data were collected through a pre-tested, structured, interviewer- administered questionnaire that covered socio-demographic characteristics, health beliefs, and health-seeking behaviours. Data was analysed using IBMSPSS version26. Descriptive statistics summarised respondents’ characteristics, Chi-square tests assessed associations between variables, and multivariate logistic regression identified predictors of health beliefs and health-seeking behaviour. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A majority of respondents 304 (51.5%) demonstrated positive health beliefs, with many perceiving their health as good or excellent. Educational status and
15 socioeconomic level were significantly associated with positive health beliefs (p<0.05). Overall, health-seeking behaviour was good, as most respondents, 398 (67.5) reported willingness to seek formal healthcare services. However, barriers such as Distance 94 (32.8%), financial constraints 86 (30.0%), long waiting time 109 (38.1), Religious factors 108 (37.8%) and lack of trust in healthcare systems 106 (37.1%) were noted. Health beliefs strongly shaped care-seeking behaviour, with some respondents substituting or delaying formal healthcare in favour of herbal remedies, cultural traditions, or religious practices. Conclusion: A majority of respondents demonstrated positive health beliefs, with good health-seeking behaviour. Most respondents preferred formal healthcare services;
however, barriers to proper healthcare utilization, such as cost, distance, poor staff
attitude, and long waiting times, were reported. Health beliefs strongly shaped care- seeking behaviour, with some respondents delaying or substituting formal healthcare in favour of alternative practices such as herbal medicines, faith-based healings and cultural practices. Keywords: Health beliefs, Health-seeking behaviour, Cultural practices, Women of reproductive age, Nigeria