PERCIEVED SUSCEPTIBILITY AND HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOUR FOR CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE IN BENUE STATE. NIGERIA

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an increasing significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and in Nigeria, yet it has received little attention in research. This study has aimed to examine perceived susceptibility and health seeking behaviour for CKD in Benue State. The study revealed the knowledge of CKD among high risk individuals in Benue State, identified risk factors of CKD that leads to Investigation, revealed perceived susceptibility of respondents to CKD and explored factors affecting HSB for CKD. The study was anchored on Health Belief Model and Andersen's behavioural model for health service utilization. The study was cross-sectional cum descriptive and study participants were selected in Benue State through a multistage sampling technique. A total of 389 completed the questionnaire while 12 Focus Group Discussions were conducted. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square and logistic regression tests were used to analyse quantitative data white qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. Findings revealed that the general knowledge level of CKD in the study area is 55%. Majority of the respondents (63.0%) have knowledge of risk factors associated with CKD and perceived susceptibility to the disease was (54.0%). There was significant relationship between knowledge of risk factors and perceived susceptibility to CKD (x'= 247.429, P <0.001). Income, education, cost of preventive health care services, health facility Inadequacies and limited knowledge on causes of CKD and preventive measures were identified as major factors affecting HSB for CKD in the study area. CKD is found to be a true challenge for public health. The study recommends that laudable campaigns should be carried out by Government and non-profit organizations to sensitize the public about CKD and its preventive measures. Adequate facilities should also be provided at health facilities for evaluation and free screening. Also, drugs should be subsidized for individuals with risk conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.