CULTURAL BELIEFS AND HEALTHCARE UTILIZATION AMONG URBAN AND RURAL DWELLERS IN ANAMBRA STATE, SOUTHEAST NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated cultural beliefs and healthcare utilization among urban and rural dwellers in Anambra state, Nigeria. The study used mixed-methods research design. This kind of research collects and analyses data using quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data were gathered with questionnaire and the qualitative data were collected with in-depth interview guide (IDI). Quantitative data collected were processed by SPSS and analyzed with descriptive statistics, while data from qualitative interview were coded into themes that reflect the objectives of this study. Evidence suggests that cultural beliefs influence healthcare utilization, affecting both the accessibility and effectiveness of healthcare services. Many people in the rural area have a strong reliance on traditional medicine, preferring herbal remedies and spiritual interventions over modern medical treatments than urban dwellers, though some of the urban dwellers indicated that they sometimes go for herbal medicine. This preference often leads to delays in seeking professional healthcare, which can result in worsened health outcomes and higher mortality rates. The study recommends a further study that will be comprehensive enough in generating more evidence to aid generalization.