Patterns of illness behavior among rural dwellers in Southeast Nigeria

A review of literature

Abstract

Illness is the absence of health in an individual. Illness behavior is an individual’s response to signs from the illness. Illness behavior has been related to social factors, such as family structure, religion, culture, among others. In this review paper, the Health Belief Model (HBM) was used to examine the pattern of illness behavior among rural dwellers in Southeast Nigeria. This model is hinged on four perceptions: perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived barriers and perceived benefits. The literatures reviewed were awash with problems associated with illness behavior in Southeast Nigeria. The prevalent patterns of illness behaviour documented in literature about rural dwellers of Southeast Nigeria featured negative illness responses and patronage of traditional or private healthcare providers as popular options among the people. The paper recommended among other things that more health facilities be built and that cost of services be made affordable. Also, there is need for health workers to be regularly re-trained to adopt appropriate attitudes at their work places.