Determinants of health seeking behaviour among men in Luwero District

Abstract

Men’s health seeking behaviour is a complex phenomenon. Men have been stereotyped as being reluctant towards seeking health care when faced with illness. Determinants of health seeking behaviour have been under investigated. The aim of this study was to establish the determinants of men’s health seeking behaviour in Luwero district. This cross-sectional survey employed both quantitative and qualitative techniques. A structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of 162 men aged 18-75 years in three villages (as clusters) randomly selected from three of the sub-counties of Luwero district which were also randomly selected out of the thirteen counties that make up Luwero district. Although men were homogeneous by sex, they were heterogeneous by characteristics on matters concerning seeking health care. Data were analyzed using SPSS and StataSE 10 software, applying both bivariate and multi-regression models. The study revealed that 68. 5% experienced health problems of which only 39.6% sought care. Of the 39.6%, 58.1% sought care late. At 95% Confidence Interval, conformity to masculinity and cost of care were positively significant determinants of men’s health seeking behaviour; both with p-values<0.0001. Poverty and Health Service Provider’s indifferent behaviour were among the barriers to seeking health care. Socio-demographic factors did not show significant influence on men’s health behaviour; instead, they motivated and increased the significance of Masculinity and Cost of Care. Men’s health seeking behaviour was found to be actually “poor”, influenced by socially constructed beliefs, external and demographic factors. Therefore, a wider spectrum of actors including government ministries, international agencies and the civil society is important in addressing the determinants of men’s health seeking behaviour and health needs. Through such actions and initiatives, improved health for men, women and children will be attained. Also the study recognized a need for more detailed research focusing on each determinant of men’s health seeking behaviour independently.