@article{ref1,
title="Appraisal of healthcare-seeking behavior and prevalence of workplace injury among artisans in automobile site in Abakaliki, Southeast Nigeria",
journal="Nigerian Medical Journal",
year="2018",
author="Azuogu, Benedict Ndubueze and Eze, Nelson Chibueze and Azuogu, Victoria Chioma and Onah, Cosmas Kenan and Ossai, Edmund Ndudi and Agu, Adaoha Pearl",
volume="59",
number="5",
pages="45-49",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Healthcare-seeking behavior is a decision-making process governed by an individual's conduct, community norms, and expectations, as well as provider-related characteristics and manners. This study determined factors associated with healthcare seeking behavior of automobile artisans in Abakaliki. <br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional survey of 380 artisans was carried out. Respondents were selected using multi-stage sampling method and semi-structured interviewer administered pretested questionnaire was used to gather information. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, and the Chi-squared test was used to test for association at 5% level of significance. <br><br>RESULTS: The mean age of the artisans was 31.3 ± 10.3 years, and the mean monthly income was N15277. Less than half of the respondents (47.7%) sought medical care in pharmacy/patent medicine stores. A significant association was found between distance to the facility for medical care and period of delay before seeking care (<i>P</i> = 0.01). Bruises (45.3%) and cuts (32.3%) were the most prevalent injuries sustained in the preceding 12 months. A significantly high proportion of those who had bruises and cuts traveled >6 km to seek care and less than half of the respondents (47.6%) who reside within 5 km radius to place of medical care patronized pharmacy/patent medicine shops. However, higher proportion of those with cuts (52.0%) and burns (62.5%) compared to other types of injury went to the hospitals no matter the distance. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The artisans have poor health-seeking behavior and majority sought medical care in pharmacy/patent medicine shops rather than hospitals. However, a significant proportion of those with injuries used hospitals regardless of the distance. It is, therefore, imperative to establish healthcare facilities within 5 km radius from where they live and work.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0300-1652",
doi="10.4103/nmj.NMJ_110_18",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.4103/nmj.NMJ_110_18"
}