Good Health-seeking Behavior Research Articles

Nutritional Practices, Quality of Life and, Health Status of Elderly in Rural Communities in Owo Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria

The study investigates the nutrition practices, health status, and quality of life of elderly individuals in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. It involves a descriptive cross-sectional design with 346 elderly participants aged 60-90, systematically sampled from six rural communities. Data were collected via structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires on demographics, medical and lifestyle histories, daily activities, health-seeking behaviors, food consumption, and nutritional care practices. Nutritional status and high blood pressure were assessed using anthropometric indices and a digital sphygmomanometer. Key findings indicate that 37.6% of participants were aged 60-64. Significant differences were noted between sexes in socio-demographic variables. Alcohol consumption, tobacco sniffing, and cigarette smoking were reported by 15.3%, 11.0%, and 4.6% respectively. Additionally, 23.1% were on hypertensive drugs and 20.1% were confirmed diabetics. Meal frequency varied, with 16.5% eating less than three times daily and 59.2% eating three times daily. Lunch (58.0%) and breakfast (36.6%) were the most skipped meals, and 15% ate outside the home. Dietary diversity scores revealed 66.5% with medium and 27.5% with good diversity. Significant gender differences were observed in dietary diversity and consumption patterns of cereals, roots, tubers, and fruits. Nutritional care practices and daily living activities scores showed 90.2% and 80.6% with fair practices and good activity scores, respectively, while 46.2% demonstrated good health-seeking behavior. Common health complaints included body and joint pain. Central obesity rates were 33.8% (WC), 30.3% (WHtR), and 30.6% (WHR). Elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure were found in 36.7% and 23% of participants, respectively. Only 31.2% reported a good quality of life. Significant positive correlations were found between nutritional status, quality of life, nutritional care practices, and functionality. Malnutrition, poor quality of life, and inadequate care practices among the elderly in rural areas highlight a public health challenge requiring targeted interventions.

Gambaran Pengetahuan dan Health Seeking Behaviour pada Penderita Diabetes Melitus Tipe 2

Diabetes mellitus is a non-communicable disease that currently represents a public health problem. Diabetes mellitus diseases caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce enough insulin (a hormone that manages glucose or sugar in the blood) or the inability of the body to manage the insulin produced effectively. The incidence of diabetes mellitus is increasingly concerning because the number has increased by year to year. Patients with DM and their families are expected to further increase knowledge of management and control of diabetes mellitus and improve health seeking behavior. This study aims to determine and identify the knowledge and health seeking behavior of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study uses quantitative methods with a cross-sectional approach. The sampling technique used purposive sampling, the sample size was 54 people. The analysis test used univariate analysis. This research instrument is a knowledge level questionnaire and a health seeking behavior questionnaire. The results of the study, the knowledge of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the good category amounted to 55,6% and health seeking behavior in the good category amounted to 61,1%. The conclusion of this study is that patients at the Banjarmasin Terminal Health Center have good knowledge and health seeking behavior. The community, especially type 2 diabetes patients, is expected to continue to increase knowledge and awareness of health problems and encourage healthy behavior

Assessment of Morbidity Profile and Health-Seeking Behaviour of Older Adults in a Rural Field Practice Area of a Tertiary Health Care Centre of Western Maharashtra

Background: The diseases prevalent in the older adults need to be identified and their early diagnosis andtreatment is facilitated by a good health seeking behaviour. The present study was conducted with the objective of assessing the morbidity profile and health-seeking behaviour of older adults residing in the rural field practice area of a tertiary health care centre of Western Maharashtra.Methods: In the present cross-sectional study, 660 older adults were selected from the study population using systematic random sampling with population proportionate to sample size and assessed using a predesigned and pretested questionnaire and clinical examination. Data entry and analysis was done in Microsoft Excel.Conclusion: The major co-morbidities found in these older people were hypertension (49.4%), diabetes mellitus (43.3%), anaemia (26.1%) and cataract (15.6%). 13.0%study participants had symptoms like fever, cough, diarrhoea ,joint pain, etc. and out of these, 26 participants were not getting treatment. Health education regarding the importance of getting treatment during times of illness is necessary to bring about a change in their health-seeking behaviour.

Factors associated with full childhood vaccination coverage among young mothers in Northern Nigeria.

wide regional variation in immunization coverage still persists in Nigeria. Full Immunization Coverage (FIC) for more than 80% of all states in the northern region is lower than 40% relative to their southern counterpart. Studies focusing on young women in the north remain sparse, despite the high prevalence of early marriage and poor health-seeking behavior. This study examines FIC among young women in northern Nigeria. we performed a secondary analysis of the 2013 and 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey on 1,198 women of children aged 12-23 months in 2013 and 405 in the 2018 dataset. Analysis was limited to young women 15-24 years, residing in Northern Nigeria. We used logistics regression to predict factors associated with FIC. the proportion of fully immunized children was low, at 11% in 2013 and 18% in 2018. The coverage for most vaccines was low, except for the oral polio vaccine. The children of mothers who had health card [(aOR=18.1,95% C.I (8.1-40.7)], in 2013 and 2018 [(aOR=12.7, 95% C.I (5.9-27.1)], attended ANC [(aOR=8.6, 95% C.I (2.4-30.9)] in 2013 and had facility delivery [(aOR=2.0, 95% C.I (1.0-4.1)] in 2018 were more likely to be fully immunized. the study found FIC among children of young women in Northern Nigeria was abysmally low. Ownership of health care, antenatal attendance, and facility delivery significantly predicted the odds of FIC. These findings suggest the need for approaches that remove barriers to good health-seeking behavior, especially among young mothers in Northern Nigeria.

Health-Seeking Behavior Regarding Coughs in Urban Slums in Lagos, Nigeria.

TB is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, with slum residents being disproportionately affected. This study aimed to assess health-seeking behavior among adult residents of slum communities presenting with coughs in Lagos, Nigeria. A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted across six urban slums in Nigeria as part of community outreaches to mark World TB Day. A structured, pretested questionnaire was used to capture relevant sociodemographic details and questions regarding symptoms of coughs and related symptoms as well as care-seeking behavior. Data were explored, analyzed, and presented using descriptive statistics. A total of 632 respondents participated in this study. The majority were 25-34 years old (24.7%), male (65.8%), Christian (55.7%), married (73.7%), with secondary education (37.8%), with 3-4 persons per household (41%) and with 1-2 persons per room (44.5%). In total, 26.6% had had a cough for two weeks or more and were considered as presumptive TB patients. Overall, 37.2% of respondents with a cough visited patent proprietary medicine vendors (PPMVs) as the first port of call. Good health-seeking behavior was exhibited by only 36.2% of respondents. In total, 38.9% delayed seeking care from a health facility (government or private) more than one month after the onset of symptoms. None of the factors included in the multivariate analysis showed a significant association with good health-seeking behavior (i.e., visiting government or private hospitals/clinics). The poor health-seeking behavior, delay in seeking TB care and preference for PPMVs emphasizes the need for National tuberculosis programs (NTPs) to further engage these informal providers in TB prevention, diagnosis and treatment services in urban slum communities.

Healthcare-Seeking Behaviours of Undergraduate Students and Their Perception of Health Services in a Nigerian Private University Health Centre

Background: Health-seeking behaviour is defined as the behaviour of people who malfunction or feel sick to find a suitable treatment. One of the critical factors influencing health-seeking behaviour is the satisfaction obtained from healthcare services, which is often linked to the quality of the service received. Objective: To assess university students' health-seeking behaviour and perception of healthcare services provided at the Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study of 425 undergraduate students of Babcock University was conducted using a validated structured questionnaire. The socio-demographic characteristics, health-seeking behaviour and perception of available services were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: About half of the respondents (50.6%) had poor health-seeking behaviour, and most (68.5%) had a positive perception of the healthcare services rendered by the institution’s healthcare facility. Some factors that affected healthcare-seeking behaviour included the non-availability of medications (37.2%), the attitude of healthcare workers (32.5%), and the cost of care (13.6%). Conclusion: The study demonstrated good health-seeking behaviour and a positive perception of the available healthcare services. However, the factors associated with poor health-seeking behaviour included unavailable medications and the poor attitude of healthcare workers. Regular appraisal and pharmacy restocking should be done to ensure an up-to-date supply of commonly prescribed medications.

Prevalence of complications and health seeking behaviour of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a community based study

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease with a variety of micro-and macro-vascular complications. Health seeking behaviour is directly related to occurrence of diabetes complications by identifying them early and to plan diabetes care and management upon diagnosis. So, this study was planned to know the prevalence of complications in Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and their level of treatment seeking behaviour. Methods: A total of 75 type 2 DM patients from rural area were studied. Patients were selected by taking 8 villages as strata and minimum of 9 patients were selected from each village. Patients were interviewed face-to-face for knowing details related to diabetes, and its complications and about health seeking behaviour. Results: Around 21.3% patients had complications related to diabetes mellitus, in which peripheral neuropathy was most common. As many as 45% patients seeking care from govt. facility and 60% patients seeking care from Pvt. facility had poor health seeking behaviour. Significantly higher number of patients seeking health care from Pvt. facility (77.8%) having poor health seeking behaviour had complications than patients seeking health care from govt. facility (33.3%). Odds of having complications was 7 times higher for patients seeking health care from Pvt. facility than for patients approaching govt. facility. Conclusions: Good health seeking behaviour is needed to improve the quality of life of patients suffering with type 2 DM.

Chronic morbidity and health seeking behavior among post-menopausal women of Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City, Nepal

Introduction: The prevalence of morbidity increases in postmenopausal period. Usually co-morbid chronic conditions and symptoms of menopause are underestimated due to low awareness thereby affecting the health seeking behaviour. This study aims to find out the chronic morbidity and health seeking behaviour among post-menopausal women of Itahari sub metropolitan city of Nepal.
 Method: This is a community based cross-sectional study conducted in 5 wards of Itahari sub metropolitan city, of Nepal over a period of one year (February 2018 to January 2019) among 490 post-menopausal women of 45 and above age. Ethical approval was obtained. The frequency and percentage of women with chronic morbidity and their health seeking in general was calculated. Also, percentage of health seeking for the each morbidly and postmenopausal symptoms were calculated using MS-Excel.
 Result: Among the 490 participants 69.4% were having chronic diseases in which diabetes mellitus and hypertension had highest prevalence. Up to 98% of the women having chronic morbidity sought help from professionals. There was lowest professional health seeking for psychological symptoms and highest for somatic symptoms.
 Conclusion: Our study shows high chronic morbidity in post-menopausal period and good health seeking behaviour for them. There is less professional heath seeking for vasomotor and psychological symptoms of post menstrual period.

Health-seeking Behavioural Practices of the Elderly in Rural Community of Ekiti State, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract Background: The aging process increases the risks of contracting a disease among elderly people. Health-seeking behaviour is poor among the aged in sub-Saharan countries like Nigeria, escalating the burden of noncommunicable diseases and the cost of health care which further impact the utilisation of orthodox medicine. Aim: This study aims to assess the health-care-seeking behavioural practices and associated factors among elderly people in Ido-Ekiti. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 elderly respondents in Ido-Ekiti. An interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 25 and results were presented in the form of tables and bar charts. Chi-square tests were used to test for associations. All data analysis was done at a 5% level of significance. Results: The age range of respondents was between 65 and 95 years, with a mean age of 73.88 ± 6.84 years and 64.0% within the age range of 65–75 years. About 63.3% of the respondents have had an episode of illness in the last year preceding the study and only 35.3% consulted a doctor for treatment (good health-seeking behaviour); however, 57.9% of the respondents admitted utilising any of the following: self-medication, consult spiritualist, and use of herbal medicine (poor health-seeking behaviour). The factors statistically significantly associated with respondents’ health-seeking behavioural practices are employment status (P < 0.001), educational level (P < 0.002), cost of health care, access to the health facility, length of time before consultation, beliefs, and lack of support from relations (P < 001). Conclusion: This study shows that the majority of the elderly had poor health-seeking behaviour due to educational and economic factors. Making the free or subsidized cost of health care for the elderly in rural communities and the provision of monthly financial support to the aged by the government will promote and encourage good health-seeking behaviour of old people.

Factors affecting the utilization of mental health services among undergraduate students in a Nigerian University

Under-utilization of mental health services among university students is a major public health concern. This study assessed the factors affecting the utilization of mental health services among undergraduate students.This research was a cross-sectional survey carried out among students of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. A semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection and multi-stage sampling technique was used in sampling the participants. Utilization, attitude, and health seeking behavior were categorized into good (≥50% score), and poor (<50% score), while social support was categorized into poor (8–18), moderate (19–25), and strong (26–32). Chi-square test and Logistic regression were used to assess the relationship between the categorical variables.450 students enrolled in this study of which 52.4% were females and mean age of 19.40 ± 1.65 years. Most students showed a good attitude (87.5%), health seeking behavior (67.8%), and poor social support (69.4%) towards mental health services. There was an association between source of information (p = 0.005), health seeking behavior (p = 0.001) and utilization of mental health services. There was also a higher likelihood for students of female gender (OR: 1.621 (1.072–2.452)) and being aged above 20 years (OR: 1.331 (0.822–2.153)) to have good utilization of mental health services.Majority of the students showed good attitude and health seeking behavior towards mental health services but there was poor utilization as well as poor to moderate social support towards mental health services. Gender, age, attitude, source of information as well as health seeking behavior are important factors that can affect the utilization of mental health services among undergraduate students. Interventions targeted towards these factors should be done to ultimately improve utilization of mental health services among undergraduate students.

Correlates Between Health Seeking Behaviour and Health Status; A Cross-Sectional Study Among the Elderly Group in Nigeria

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the correlates between health seeking behavior and health status among the Elderly group in Osun State, Nigeria.Material &amp; Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in Osun State between July-October 2020. A multistage sampling method was used to select 433 people aged 60 years and older. The participants were interviewed face-to-face using a well-structured questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyse data. Results:Findings from the study revealed that majority (77.8%) of the respondents had poor health status. Key findings showed that majority (72.4%) of respondents had good health seeking behaviour. Furthermore, age (p&lt;0.05), marital status (p&lt;0.05), educational status (p&lt;0.05) and monthly income (p&lt;0.05) were statistically associated with the health status of the elderly people.Conclusions:An adequate understanding of health seeking behaviour and its correlates with health status especially among the elderly people is needed to improve the health care in Nigeria. Although the elderly people have a good health seeking behaviour, it does not however translate to good health status. Therefore, strategies to improve the health status including improving their financial status should be developed with adequate health literacy. Elderly people should learn the importance of regular health examinations to promote health, prevent diseases, and slow the progress of chronic diseases.

Oral Rehydration Therapy Utilization and Associated Factors Among Children with Diarrhea in Debre Berhan, Ethiopia, 2020.

BackgroundOral rehydration therapy is a critical intervention to save the lives of children during episodes of diarrhea and vomiting. However, millions of children die every year due to failure to replace fluid effectively. Nearly all dehydration-related deaths can be preventable by prompt administration of rehydration therapy. The current study aimed to assess oral rehydration therapy utilization and associated factors among children with diarrhea in Debre Berhan town.MethodsCommunity-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2020. The study participants were selected by systematic random sampling. The first household was selected randomly by the lottery method. The collected data were checked for completeness and relevance, and then entered into EPI data and transferred to SPSS for analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the ORT utilization and predictor variables. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered a cutoff point for statistical significance for all statistical tests.ResultsThe study included 233 participants with a 99% response rate. Among them, 73% [95% Cl: 66.8 78.6] of caregivers had given oral rehydration therapy to their children. Previous use of oral rehydration therapy [AOR: 5.3, Cl: 2.1–13.32], health-seeking behavior [AOR: 5.7, Cl: 2.07–15.6], knowledge about oral rehydration therapy [AOR: 4.2, Cl: 1.7–10.46], caregivers’ perception of tooth eruption [AOR: 3.13, Cl: 1.08–9], weaning as causes of diarrhea [AOR: 6.7, Cl: 2.49–17.9], and recognize the severity sign of dehydration [AOR: 5.6, Cl: 2.16–14.7] became significant factors of oral rehydration therapy.ConclusionNearly two-thirds of the mothers give oral rehydration therapy while their child develops diarrhea. Mothers had previous oral rehydration therapy, good health-seeking behavior, knowledge about oral rehydration therapy, caregivers’ perception of tooth eruption, and weaning as causes of diarrhea. Signs to recognize the severity of dehydration were important factors with oral rehydration therapy utilization. It will be better to give mothers special attention to hindering factors from giving oral rehydration therapy for their beloved child during diarrheal disease.

A study to assess maternal and child health care utilization by slum dwellers in Shivamogga

Background: As per the WHO estimates, Slums are home to an estimated 8280 lakh people, representing around one third of the world’s urban population. Health is a major economic issue for slum residents. Objective of the study was to assess utilization of health care facilities by slum dwellers with special reference to maternal and child health.Methods: A list of all slums and the number of households therein was collected from city municipal corporation Shivamogga of which 10 slums were selected by simple random sampling all the households in the selected slums were included in the study. Quantitative data were collected from the households of selected slums after taking informed consent using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Information about health care seeking with reference to maternal and child health was obtained by checking the available medical records and as self-reported by the respondents. Data were analyzed by using SPSS software.Results: In this study, among the 339 households studied 93.5% of the women had more than 4 antenatal visits and 99.1% of the deliveries were institutional, the most frequently contacted healthcare facility was government medical college. Conclusions: The availability of better healthcare facilities like government medical college in the proximity of these slums has led to good health seeking behaviour among them.

Pregnancy danger signs: Knowledge and health-seeking behavior among reproductive age women in southwest Ethiopia.

Background:Warning signs of pregnancy are not reliably predictable. But, knowing these early warning signs is very important for pregnant women to eliminate serious complications and start treatment immediately. The higher level of maternal mortality can be reduced by providing quality maternity service and empowering women with good knowledge of the danger signs of pregnancy and promoting appropriate health-seeking behavior. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge of pregnancy danger signs and health-seeking behavior among reproductive age women in southwest Ethiopia.Method:A cross-sectional study was carried out with 526 randomly selected women from 1 to 30 January 2019. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with the outcome variable. The level of significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05.Results:The proportion of mothers who had good knowledge of pregnancy danger signs were 43.2%. The majority (65%) of those surveyed mentioned vaginal bleeding as a pregnancy danger sign. The factors associated with good knowledge of pregnancy danger signs were husbands with secondary education and above (adjusted odds ratio = 2.52, 95% confidence interval (1.08–5.91) monthly income ⩾ 1000 Ethiopian Birr (adjusted odds ratio = 2.64, 95% confidence interval (1.48–4.71) being multigravida (adjusted odds ratio = 2.14, 95% confidence interval (1.17–3.94) and last delivery at the health facility (adjusted odds ratio = 6.84, 95% confidence interval (4.02–11.63) The proportion of mothers who experienced pregnancy danger signs and had good health-seeking behavior was 72.7%.Conclusion:The knowledge of pregnancy danger signs among reproductive age women was low in the study area. This indicates the large proportions of women who do not know the danger signs are likely to delay in deciding to seek care when they face the problem. Therefore, empowering women, improving the quality of health information about danger signs during antenatal care follow-up, and promoting institutional delivery are the recommended interventions.

A Study to Assess the Immunisation Status and the Factors Responsible For Incomplete Immunization amongst Children in Urban Slums

Background: As per the WHO estimates more than a billion children were vaccinated over the last decade. Currently immunization prevents 2- 3 million deaths every year. Health is a major economic issue for slum residents.&#x0D; Objectives of the study: To assess the immunisation status and the factors responsible for incomplete immunization amongst children in urban slums.&#x0D; Methods: A list of all slums and the number of households therein was collected from City Municipal Corporation Shivamogga of which 10 slums were selected by simple random sampling all the households in the selected slums were included in the study. Quantitative data were collected from the households of selected slums after taking informed consent using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Information about immunization of the under five children. Data were analysed by using SPSS software.&#x0D; Results: In this study, among the 247 children studied, 61.94% were fully immunised, 38.05 were partially immunised. The most common reason for defaulting vaccination were knowledge (25.5%) followed by illness of the child (14.1%)&#x0D; Conclusion: The availability of better healthcare facilities like government medical college in the proximity of these slums has led to good health seeking behaviour among them.

The healthcare seeking behaviour of adult patients with asthma at Chitungwiza Central Hospital, Zimbabwe

BackgroundAlthough asthma is a serious public health concern in Zimbabwe, there is lack of information regarding the decision to seek for healthcare services among patients. This study aimed to determine the health care seeking behaviour of adult patients with asthma attending Chitungwiza Central Hospital in Zimbabwe.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 patients with asthma. A questionnaire with four thematic areas (i) patients’ demographic characteristics, (ii) types of health seeking behaviours (iii) knowledge of asthma treatment and (iv) attitudes on asthma treatment was used.ResultsWe determined the sequence of remedial action that people undertake to rectify perceived ill health commonly referred to as health care seeking behaviours in 400 adult patients with asthma. This behaviour was considered good if the patient sought care at the hospital/clinic and or private practitioners. Poor health seeking behaviour was adjudged if patients sought no treatment, self-treated or resorted to traditional or faith healers for care.The majority 261(65.3%) of the study participants were females mainly between ages 29–39 years who lived in the urban setting. Distance to health facility, perception of supportive roles of healthcare providers, perceived good quality of service and knowledge of asthma complications were key determinants for health seeking behaviour. The results showed that majority 290 (72.5%) reported good health seeking behaviour. The correlates of good health seeking behaviour included financial capacity to pay for medical care [OR: 0.50 (CI: 0.31–0.83); p = 0.008)] and receiving good quality of asthma treatment [OR: 0.59 (CI: 0.37–0.93); p = 0.03)]. The inability to voluntarily seek own asthma treatment [OR: 1.68 (CI: 1.05–2.70); p = 0.03) was a significant risk factor (68% more likely) for poor health seeking behaviour.ConclusionsWe concluded that prior to scaling up asthma treatment programmes in Zimbabwe, there is need to address, individual-level, community-level and health service level barriers to health seeking among asthma patients.

Evaluation of timeliness of treatment initiation among smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Brong Ahafo Region, Ghana, 2015.

We evaluated timeliness and factors influencing treatment initiation (TI) among smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB+) patients in Brong Ahafo Region (BAR), Ghana. We conducted a cross-sectional study in health facilities (HF) in six districts in BAR, from November 2014 to May 2015. Newly diagnosed smear positive PTB patients were selected randomly proportionate to size of facility cases. Timeliness of symptoms, diagnosis, TI and factors for delay were assessed using structured questionnaire. Patient delay was defined as presentation to a health care provider after 21 days of the onset of TBrelated symptoms and TI delay as therapy initiated after 30-days of onset of TB-related symptoms. We determined median patient timeliness, HF, and TI timeliness. We identified factors associated with TI delay using logistic regression. There were a total of 237 PTB+ patients; median patient timeliness of 30 days (IQR:14, 60). The median health facility timeliness was 8 days (IQR:4, 10); and the median TI timeliness was 36 days (IQR:25, 69). Majority (58.7%) of patients delayed in seeking treatment. TI delay was associated with: unemployment [aOR=7.4, 95%CI(1.9-28.8)], fear of losing job [aOR=3.4, 95%CI(1.3-8.5)], traditional healer as first port of call [aOR=10.6, 95%CI(13.0-66.8)], and initially being treated for HIV [aOR=4.9, 95%CI(1.6-14.8)]. There were delays in treatment initiation and patient treatment seeking timeliness. One-third of patients would prefer traditional healers/self-treatment/drug store as an option. A concerted effort by stakeholders is needed to improve behaviour change communication on good health seeking behaviour for persons living with TB to reduce delays in seeking treatment. The study was funded by the authors.

Mothers’ knowledge and their health seeking behavior about neonatal danger signs and associated factors in Fiche town, Oromia region, Ethiopia

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the risk factors associated with knowledge and health seeking behavior of mothers about neonatal danger signs. MethodsA community based cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers living in Fiche town from November 1, 2018 to October 30, 2019. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) were calculated and all results were deemed to be statistically significant when p < 0.05. ResultAmong the 360 participants, 186 (51.7%) of mothers were found to have a good knowledge about neonatal danger signs. Having antenatal care follow-up [AOR = 6.35, 95% CI: 4.084, 17.206] and having college and above level of education [AOR = 2.071, CI: 1.311–14.690] were significantly associated with a good knowledge of neonatal danger sign and getting post-natal care was a predictor of good health seeking behavior [AOR = 3.720, 95%CI: 2.876, 13.377]. ConclusionAntenatal care follow-up and mother's level of education were contributing factors for good knowledge of neonatal danger sign and post-natal care was a significant factor for health seeking behaviors of mothers. Therefore, the antenatal and post natal health care workers should educate mothers on various reproductive health issues.

Mammography examination among women aged 40 years or older in Ghana: evidence from wave 2 of the World Health Organization’s study on global AGEing and adult health multicountry longitudinal study

ObjectiveTo determine the uptake of mammography among Ghanaian women aged 40 years or older and to examine critical risk factors that influence the uptake. Study designA cross-sectional survey. MethodsA nationally representative sample of 2787 women and 1948 men aged ≥18 years were surveyed in the Wave 2 (2014-2015) of the World Health Organization's multicountry study on AGEing and adult health in Ghana. Of the 2787 women aged ≥18 years, data on a total of 2301 women aged ≥40 years were included in this study. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were applied to examine critical risk factors for mammogram examination. ResultsOf the 2301 women sampled, only 83 (3.61%) ever had mammogram. The odds of mammogram examination were lower for women aged ≥70 years (odds ratio [OR] 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.19, 0.93), being self-employed (OR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.42) and being informal sector employee (OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.57) in the multivariable analyses. Belonging to the Ewe ethnic group (OR=3.41, 95% CI:1.88, 6.16) compared to the Akan group was associated with increased odds of mammogram examination in the multivariable analysis. Women aged ≥70 years, being self-employed, being an informal employee and belonging to the Ewe ethnic group were independently associated with mammography examination. ConclusionThe prevalence of screening for breast cancer using mammography among Ghanaian women aged 40 years and older was 3.6%. Age, type of employer and ethnicity were associated with an older adult woman's likelihood to access mammography screening. Overall, our study provided critical data to encourage and promote good health-seeking behaviour in terms of breast cancer screening among older adult women. Further qualitative studies are warranted to explore why some of these factors influence mammography.

Prevalence of HIV in North-East Nigeria: A Case of Comprehensive HIV Service Delivery in 3 Internally Displaced Persons Camps in Borno State, Northeast, Nigeria

The humanitarian crisis in North-East Nigeria has had its greatest impact in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states who now depend largely on humanitarian assistance for their survival. According to the 2017 UNDP estimates, 8.5 million people are caught in the middle of the humanitarian crises in Northeast Nigeria, resulting in widespread displacement, insecurity, destroyed infrastructure and collapsed basic services. This setting presents context of fragility, vulnerability and uncertainties, which encourages and exacerbates HIV transmission. The relationship between HIV, humanitarian emergencies and prolonged conflict is multifaceted and complex. The recent 2019 NAIIS reported HIV prevalence in Borno state to be 1.3%, however in the IDP camps, the risk of transmission appears to increase due to inadequate access to HIV and other basic health services. This study is aimed to determine the prevalence of HIV infection and uptake of comprehensive HIV services in 3 IDP camps; Ngala, Banki and Dikwa Local Government Areas of Borno state. The study adopted a case study approach with sample size of 26,712 individuals who were counseled and tested for HIV. The collected data was analyzed using STATA14. The result of study revealed the prevalence of HIV in the 3 IDP camps to be 0.98%. In Ngala Camp, Ngala LGA of Borno state, there was a high prevalence rate of 1.98%, which is higher than the Borno state’s and the National indices. The HIV testing Uptake was estimated to be 56.31% across the 3 camps. Improved awareness to HIV infection and sustained service provision will enhance good health seeking behavior and reduce incidence of HIV infection and stigmatization of affected persons in the IDP camp.