CULTURAL BELIEFS AND HEALTHCARE UTILIZATION IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated cultural beliefs and healthcare utilization in AnambraState, Nigeria. The study used a mixed-methods research design. This type of researchinvolves the collection and analysis of data via both quantitative and qualitative methods. Thequantitative data were gathered via questionnaires, and the qualitative data were collected viaan in-depth interview guide (IDI). The quantitative data collected were processed via SPSS(23) and analysed with descriptive statistics, whereas the data from the qualitative interviewswere coded into themes that reflected the objectives of this study. Evidence suggests thatcultural beliefs affect healthcare utilization. In addition to cultural beliefs, economic factorsare other factors that prevent modern healthcare utilization. With the belief that traditionalmedicine is potent, it presents a viable alternative. The major factor is economic factors. Therespondents believed that involving traditional healers in healthcare programs would helpincrease healthcare utilization. Additionally, reducing the cost of utilizing modern healthcareis a major intervention, among other findings. The results of this study suggest that furtherstudies that are comprehensive enough to breed more data are needed to aid in generalization.