Factors influencing the health seeking behaviour of persons who have diabetes in the Kumasi metropolis

Abstract

Inappropriate Health Seeking Behavior has been linked to worse health outcomes, increased morbidity and mortality rates and poorer health statistics of a country. This study therefore sought to identify the factors that influence the health seeking behavior of persons with diabetes in the Kumasi Metropolis. This study employed a cross-sectional study design and a quantitative approach. Convenience sampling method was used to select 120 participants. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data collected was analyzed using, frequency tables, multiple linear regression and chi square using STATA. About 79% of the participants were females with a majority belonging to the Akan ethnic group. The findings suggested that more than 80% of persons with diabetes in the Kumasi Metropolis are consumers of the Government healthcare facilities). Statistically significant values were recorded health-seeking behaviors at government health facilities and occupation (t = -2.74, p = 0.007) and also with age (t = -2.19, p = 0.03). The chi square analysis showed a relationship between Perceived susceptibility, perceived severity and the usage of government healthcare facilities.