Information seeking behaviour of rural women on National Health Insurance Scheme in Ido-Osi Local Government Area, Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background/Objective: Information seeking behaviour is considered as a human behaviour to look for information in a purposeful way to fill the gap. Information needs of rural women in the top rank are occupational related, child care and family relationship Most information needs are health-related, such as information regarding certain diseases, how they are contacted, and treated. This study sought to identify the information seeking behaviour of rural women particularly, in relation to National Health Insurance Scheme in Ido-Osi Local Government, Ekiti State. Methods/Design: This is cross-sectional study of rural women in Ido-Osi, who sought care at Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti. Result: Among these women, 114 (82.6%) had not registered with NHIS and 92 (66.7%) never heard about NHIS. One hundred and two (73.9) opined that the scheme provides free healthcare services to the populace, 99 (71.8%) joined due to specific health problem and 91 (66.0%) others joined because others joined and 84 (60.8%) would not spend their money to seek information about NHIS and their health needs. Conclusion: Most rural women in Ido-Osi in Ekiti Local Government lack the awareness and the right information about National Health Insurance Scheme. This has aggravated their apathy to seek information about NHIS and their healthcare needs. Therefore, health education and advocacy about National Health Insurance Scheme and healthcare in general should be made available to these women. Other social amenities that will take the world closer to the rural women is also advocated.