Socio-cultural and Socio-Economic Determinants of Health-seeking Behaviour among Visually Impaired Persons in Eket Senatorial District, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Afe Victor Dania
Department of Optometry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bayelsa Medical University, Yenagoa, Nigeria.
Gospel Uchechukwu Collins
*
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, College of Health Science, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Eye diseases remain a major public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where socio-cultural beliefs and socio-economic conditions frequently influence health-seeking behaviour. Delayed utilisation of appropriate eye care services contributes to preventable visual impairment and blindness. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of socio-cultural and socio-economic factors on the health-seeking behaviour of individuals with eye diseases.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 respondents using a structured questionnaire to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics, health-seeking behaviour, socio-cultural beliefs, and socio-economic factors influencing treatment choices. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: Males constituted 68.75% of respondents, while 42.75% earned less than ₦30,000 monthly and 32.75% had no formal education. Native doctors (30.0%) and prayer houses (25.0%) were more frequently consulted as the first source of treatment than eye clinics (8.75%). Most respondents (86.5%) reported that socio-cultural factors influenced their treatment decisions, with witchcraft beliefs (49.5%) being the predominant influence. Traditional medicine (40.0%) and prayer (37.0%) were the most culturally expected responses to eye disease. Socio-economic factors influenced healthcare decisions in 84.25% of respondents, with income (69.75%) and treatment cost (46.25%) identified as the major determinants. Socio-cultural factors were negatively correlated with hospital consultation (r = –0.991, p < 0.05) but positively correlated with consultation of traditional practitioners (r = 0.921, p < 0.05). Conversely, socio-economic factors showed a positive correlation with hospital consultation (r = 0.930, p < 0.05). The combined influence of socio-cultural and socio-economic factors on health-seeking behaviour was strong (r = 0.895).
Conclusion: Socio-cultural beliefs and socio-economic conditions significantly influence health-seeking behaviour among individuals with eye diseases. Community-based health education, improved affordability and accessibility of eye care services, and culturally sensitive interventions are essential to promote early utilisation of orthodox eye care and reduce avoidable visual impairment.
Keywords: Health-seeking behaviour, visual impairment, eye diseases, socio-cultural factors, socio-economic factors, eye care utilisation, traditional medicine, health beliefs, healthcare access