Factors that influence health-seeking behaviour in Laikipia District

Abstract

This study examines the factors which influence the health-seeking behaviour of the people residing in Laikipia District. The study mainly focuses on the way in which accessibility to modern treatment, (as determined by distance, cost, the delivery of health care and other factors like socio¬economic status, religious affiliation and the type of disease one is suffering from), influence the health¬seeking behaviour exhibited during sickness. The factors which influence health-seeking behaviour in this study are explained within the context of the functionalist theoretical frameworks which examines how various schools of medicines function in the provision of medicine and health care in the area under study. Standard questionnaires, focused group discussions, key informants, non-participant observation and documentary sources of information were the chief techniques employed in collecting the data. The data analysis shows that despite the enormous awareness and utilization of modern health facilities. a majority of the respondents still use traditional medicine to combat various diseases mostly thought to he best cured by traditional medicine. However, due to cost, an increasing number of respondents are resorting to traditional cures for an increasing number of diseases both slight and complicated. The findings showed that health-seeking behaviour is dynamic, shaped varyingly by factors such as socio-economic status, disease type and religious affiliation. The findings therefore call for a need for a multi-dimensional approach in health care planning and provision. Traditional medicine should be addressed as a major source of treatment. Primary health care should be strived for as well as taking into account the improvement and provision of facilities. development and provision of curative and preventive medicines that will effectively tackle the prevalent diseases in Laikipia District