HEALTHCARE SEEKING BEHAVIOUR OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS: A CASE STUDY OF UNIVERSITY OF BENIN
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Healthcare is a vital component of any thriving society.Generally, young people (tertiary students inclusive) tend to demonstrate sub optimal helath seeking behaviour and this may be detrimental to their well being, resulting in increased health expenditure, loss of productive hours and generally poorer health
outcomes within this demographic.
OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice
of undergraduates in the university of Benin towards optimal and prompt seeking of health services.
METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted. Study was carried
out among tertiary institution undergraduate students within the University of Benin
from duration was from August 2023- September 2023. Sample size was calculated
using the Cochran’s formula for descriptive studies and a self-administered structured
questionnaire was used as the data collection tool. Data was analysedusing IBM SPSS
version 27.0 and the level of significance was set at p< 0.05. Data was presented using frequency tables, graphs as well as prose. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics and Research committee, University of Benin Teaching Hospital
RESULT: A total of 430 respondents participated in this study. The mean age was 21.45+2.89. Majority of respondents had good knowledge of healthcare services including where the heathcenter is located and the meanining of TISHIP. Attitude was positive for most respondents. Despite good knowledge and attitude, practice was poor showing significant association with monthly allowance/income. Lack of time to visit health center was a significant factor that influenced healthcare seeking practices.
CONCLUSION: Knowledge and attitude levels were high while practice was poor among respondents. Time to utilize health center and monthly allowance were significant factors influencing practice.
outcomes within this demographic.
OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice
of undergraduates in the university of Benin towards optimal and prompt seeking of health services.
METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted. Study was carried
out among tertiary institution undergraduate students within the University of Benin
from duration was from August 2023- September 2023. Sample size was calculated
using the Cochran’s formula for descriptive studies and a self-administered structured
questionnaire was used as the data collection tool. Data was analysedusing IBM SPSS
version 27.0 and the level of significance was set at p< 0.05. Data was presented using frequency tables, graphs as well as prose. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics and Research committee, University of Benin Teaching Hospital
RESULT: A total of 430 respondents participated in this study. The mean age was 21.45+2.89. Majority of respondents had good knowledge of healthcare services including where the heathcenter is located and the meanining of TISHIP. Attitude was positive for most respondents. Despite good knowledge and attitude, practice was poor showing significant association with monthly allowance/income. Lack of time to visit health center was a significant factor that influenced healthcare seeking practices.
CONCLUSION: Knowledge and attitude levels were high while practice was poor among respondents. Time to utilize health center and monthly allowance were significant factors influencing practice.
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