FACTORS INFLUENCING THE HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOUR OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE ASOKORE MAMPONG MUNICIPALITY OF GHANA

Abstract

Objective: Health-seeking behaviour is a way of thinking about how individuals response to states of ill- health. The main objective of this research was to examine the health seeking behaviour of senior high school students in the Asokore Mampong Municipality of Ghana.

Method: The study is a descriptive cross – sectional that target the health seeking behaviour of senior high school students in the Asokore Mampong Municipality of Ghana. The researcher employed a quantitative method of data collection using structured questionnaires. Study subjects were interviewed for personal information and details regarding their activities in respect to their health seeking behaviour and preventive measures against the onset of ill – health.

Results: 89.6% study individuals reported being sick and seeking treatment. 10.4% study subjects that were sick did not seek treatment. 56.4% respondents reported getting treatment at hospital or health center. 43.6% study respondents’ stated getting treatment at clinic or dispensary. For preventive measure against the onset of ill – health, 18.6% respondents reported hand washing. 40.0% stated safe drinking water and 41.4% recorded hospital or clinic.

Conclusion: The study concluded that Participants that had preventive measures against the onset of ill – health were more likely to seek healthcare in health facility. Research can also look at the various social networks that can be supportive of school health promotion programmes.

Key Words: Health Seeking Behaviour (HSB), Ill – Health, Senior High School Students, Asokore Mampong, Ghana