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- Title
Factors influencing health-seeking behavior among Sudanese immigrants in Saudi Arabia.
- Authors
Elfaki, Noor S.; Abdelgyoum, Hafeia A.; Elhelali, Ala
- Abstract
Background: Health-seeking behavior (HSB) involves any action or inaction taken by individuals who perceive themselves to have a health problem or illness aimed at finding appropriate medical treatments. Studies suggest a positive relationship between the availability and quality of health services and their utilization. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing health-seeking behavior among Sudanese immigrants in Saudi Arabia, to improve healthcare access and health outcomes. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted targeting Sudanese residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Participants were recruited using convenient sampling. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed electronically. A total of 494 participants were recruited for the study. Results: This study showed that the majority of the participants (66.6%) visited a primary healthcare center when faced with a medical problem. However, the prevalence of self-medication in the past three months was 45.7%. Significant factors influencing health-seeking behavior included age (OR [95% CI]: 1.032 [1.000-1.066]) and lack of health insurance (OR = 1.01, 95% CI [1.00-1.02], p = 0.019). Conclusions: This study emphasizes the importance of understanding healthcare-seeking behavior among immigrant groups, particularly Sudanese immigrants in Saudi Arabia. It highlights the significance of insurance as a determinant of healthcare-seeking behavior and calls for reforming current policies to reduce disparities in accessing healthcare services.
- Subjects
SAUDI Arabia; EMIGRATION &; immigration; HEALTH services accessibility; SUDANESE; HEALTH insurance; IMMIGRANTS; HEALTH equity
- Publication
BMC Public Health, 2024, Vol 24, Issue 1, p1
- ISSN
1471-2458
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1186/s12889-024-19122-4