A Critical Appraisal of Health Seeking Behaviour Models in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper is an appraisal of various models that explains the health seeking behaviour of individuals in Nigeria. The paper makes desk review of three health seeking behaviour models by making a critique of the assumptions and the suitability of these models in explaining health seeking behaviour in the Nigerian society. An assessment of the stages of health seeking behaviour identified by Igun (1979) indicates that significant others and availability of health services are the major determinants of health seeking behaviour in most communities in Nigeria. A review of the Health Belief model shows how the beliefs individuals have toward a perceived ill health influences their determination to seek for healthcare services. The paper also assessed Andersen-Newman’s behavioural model, which hypothesized that individuals demographic characteristics and healthcare delivery systems exert major influence on how they access and utilize health care services. The choice-making model proposed by Young (1981) on the other hand asserts that individual’s choice of health services is dependent upon the four variables of perception of gravity, knowledge of home treatment, faith in remedy and the accessibility to treatment. Despite the criticisms of the various models discussed in the paper, their propositions are found complementary and suitable in explaining health seeking behaviour in the Nigerian context. The however adopted the Health Belief Model as more suitable in explaining health seeking behaviour among Nigerians.