Factors Influencing Readiness to Seek Medical Care in the Event of Illness Among Hohoe Residents in Ghana

A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Optimal health plays a significant role in enhancing one's quality of life, empowering individuals to actively engage in productive endeavors for wealth generation. Recently, the unhealthy lifestyles of individuals resulting from their healthcare-seeking behavior have gained significant attention in research circles, both at the national and international levels, as this issue has become a central concern for healthcare stakeholders worldwide. This study evaluated the factors influencing readiness to seek medical care in the event of illness among residents in Ghana.

Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was employed in this study. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to sample 400 study participants. Data were collected with a paper-based questionnaire, coded and entered into Epi-Data version 4.6.0.2. Data analysis was carried out in STATA V.16.0.

Results: From our study, 193 (48.2%) participants expressed readiness to seek medical care in the event of illness. Our findings further revealed that participants who were educated to the tertiary level, participants who have private health insurance cards and the usage of traditional treatment were key influencers of readiness to seek medical care [aOR = 4.2 (95% CI: 1.73–10.25), p=0.002], [aOR = 8.8 (95% CI: 2.62–29.41), p=0.000], and [aOR = 1.73 (95% CI: 1.10–2.70), p=0.016] respectively.

Conclusion: Conclusively, our findings emphasize the complex interplay of individual, cultural, and structural factors in shaping healthcare-seeking behavior. Addressing these factors through targeted interventions and policies can enhance healthcare utilization, reduce health disparities, and ultimately contribute to the overall well-being and socio-economic development of the community and the country at large.