Abstract
The need for positive health seeking behavior among gender cannot be overemphasized in social and economy development. But there seem to have been a gender disparity in health seeking behaviour among rural dwellers perhaps due to finance, social misconception, and area of residence. In view of this, this study investigated the factors that widen the disparity in health seeking behaviour in male and female. The health belief model of Hochbaum, Rosenstock and others was adopted in this study because, it explains the various reactions of people to healthcare. The study adopted a qualitative research design because the data for this
study was derived through qualitative method. Six rural areas were randomly selected from Borgu, Tambuwal, Numan, Afikpo, Boluwaduro and Obanliku LGA in each of the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. One hospital was also selected using a probability sampling technique. Afterwards, 5 persons were selected as the sample for this study. Data was derived through in-depth interview and analysed using ethnographic summary and verbatim quotation. Findings revealed that, that there is gender disparity in health seeking behaviour between male and female and that women tend to display positive health seeking behavior than men. It was also revealed that factors that widen the disparity in health seeking behaviour in male and female are; belief system, income, and residence. Therefore, it was recommended that government and NGOs put in place poverty alleviation programme through skill acquisition programmes and interest free loan for small scale traders to provide the much-needed financial aid that enable rural dwellers access healthcare.