SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR AMONG HYPERTENSIVE ADULTS IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Hypertension is one of the most common non-communicable diseases in Nigeria. However, a large number of people living with the condition do not seek medical care regularly or manage it properly. This study looked at how socio-demographic factors, specifically sex, age, educational level, marital status, religion, ethnic background, income, and occupation, influence health-seeking behaviour among hypertensive adults in Niger State. The Health Belief Model and the Political Economy of Health framework guided the study. A mixed-method cross-sectional design was used, combining a survey of 383 hypertensive adults drawn from three senatorial zones in Niger State with qualitative interviews involving selected patients and healthcare providers. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The results showed that sex, educational level, ethnic background, income, and occupation were significant predictors of health-seeking behaviour. Respondents with higher income had about four times the odds of being hypertensive. In contrast, those with higher educational attainment had about twice the odds, suggesting that lifestyle changes associated with better socioeconomic standing may be driving the risk. Male respondents showed higher odds of hypertension than females, and certain ethnic groups were less likely to be affected. People whose jobs made it difficult to attend regular clinic appointments were also significantly more likely to develop hypertension. Age, marital status, and religion did not emerge as significant predictors. The study concludes that a combination of personal circumstances and structural inequalities shapes health-seeking behaviour in Niger State. Interventions that combine health education, improved access to affordable care, and attention to the population's economic realities are needed to improve hypertension management in the state.