Socioeconomic Characteristics and Health-Seeking Behaviour of Residents of Slum Settlements in Lagos State Metropoli
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Date
2024-12
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Lead City University, Ibadan
Abstract
This research investigates the socioeconomic factors affecting the health-seeking behaviour of slum dwellers in the Lagos State metropolis. Among many findings, the
research filled the scientific lacuna alluded to in earlier research on the cause of the high informal healthcare patronage among urban slum dwellers despite the general
view of low health-seeking behaviour among this population segment. Factors such as availability, accessibility, and affordability of healthcare services play a vital role in
analysing high levels of patronage of informal healthcare services among urban slum dwellers, as revealed in this research. Theories such as functionalism, Karl Marx's
Class Analysis, and Kroeger’s Health-Seeking Behaviour Model were used as the analytical tools. The study methods were based on mixed methods, where both
quantitative and qualitative data were collected. The qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews, and the quantitative data were collected using a
structured questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) was used to analyse quantitative and qualitative data through thematic and content analysis. From
the results, educational attainment (P=0.014), employment status (P=0.002), and sickness experienced in the last 12 months (P=0.000) added significantly to the model
of health-seeking behaviour. Therefore, education attainment, employment status and the possibility of experiencing sickness in the last 12 months are strong predictors for
utilising healthcare services in the last 12 months among slum dwellers in the Lagos State metropolis. The qualitative results showed that accessibility, availability, and
affordability are key factors affecting the health-seeking behaviour of the slum dwellers. Therefore, this research recommends that Nigeria's government create
employment opportunities for Nigerians, and those intending to create businesses should be supported with loans. Education for all should be implemented in the
national and state policies. Healthcare facilities in the slum settlements should be reviewed to benefit the health status of slum dwellers in Nigeria.
Keywords: Health-Seeking Behaviour of slum settlers, Socioeconomic Factors, Slum Settlements, Lagos State Metropolis.
Word Count: 278
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Keywords
Health-Seeking Behaviour of slum settlers, Socioeconomic Factors, Slum Settlements, Lagos State Metropolis.
Citation
Kate Turabia