FACTORS DETERMINING THE HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOUR OF RURAL DWELLERS IN DEKINA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

In Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, the study looked at factors influencing how rural residents sought out health care. The study's specific goals included identifying the most prevalent diseases afflicting rural residents in Dekina L.G.A, investigating the general health-seeking behaviour of rural dwellers, studying the factors that influence this behaviour, and examining the obstacles that patients in this area face. The study's framework was based on rational choice theory. The study used a survey research design, and a sample of 399 people was chosen from the 142, 112 study participants using a cluster sampling strategy combined with systematic simple sampling. Multiple regression was used to assess the hypothesis formulated. The study's conclusions showed that typhoid fever and malaria were the most frequent illnesses experienced by rural residents. The majority of rural residents in Dekina L.G.A. sought healthcare from nearby facilities for symptoms diagnosis and treatment, but even while taking medications, they supplemented modern drugs with herbal remedies. Cost of drugs/medical services, location of healthcare facilities, level of education, and income were found to be the main determinants of rural residents' health seeking behaviour in the study area. The rural dwellers exercise and get checks at doctors to stay fit. It was recommended among others that rural dwellers should make use of treated mosquito nets, avoid drinking dirty waters and foods, the cost of medical services should be regulated through the establishment of State and Community Health Insurance Scheme.  
Keywords: Health, Illness, Health Seeking Behaviour, Rural Dwellers, Determining Factors.