REPOSITIONING HEALTH EDUCATION TO ADDRESS CULTURAL BARRIERS IN HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigates the role of health education in addressing cultural barriers to health-seeking behaviour in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Despite improvements in healthcare infrastructure, cultural beliefs and practices continue to influence how people perceive illness and access modern health services, often resulting in delayed treatment and poor health outcomes. The research question include what are the personal health-seeking patterns and influences among residents of Kaduna State residents of Kaduna State? Using a mixed-method approach, the research surveyed 400 community members across urban and rural areas of Kaduna State, Nigeria. There is no significant cultural beliefs that shape perception of illness and health careamong residents of Kaduna State, Nigeria was rejected with p-value of 0.02. Findings reveal that cultural beliefs significantly shape health-seeking behaviours and that current health education programmes inadequately address these cultural factors. The study recommends culturally sensitive health education strategies, active involvement of traditional and religious leaders, and enhanced training for health educators to reposition health education within the healthcare system. This repositioning is essential for improving healthcare utilization, fostering trust in modern medicine, and ultimately enhancing public health in Kaduna State.