TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2018//
TI  - Appraisal of healthcare-seeking behavior and prevalence of workplace injury among artisans in automobile site in Abakaliki, Southeast Nigeria
JO  - Nigerian Medical Journal
A1  - Azuogu, Benedict Ndubueze
A1  - Eze, Nelson Chibueze
A1  - Azuogu, Victoria Chioma
A1  - Onah, Cosmas Kenan
A1  - Ossai, Edmund Ndudi
A1  - Agu, Adaoha Pearl
SP  - 45
EP  - 49
VL  - 59
IS  - 5
N2  - 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>
LA  - en
SN  - 0300-1652
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.4103/nmj.NMJ_110_18
ID  - ref1
ER  -