Health seeking behavior for musculoskeletal injuries among residents of a rural community in Northwest Nigeria
Musculoskeletal injuries are the second largest contributor to disability globally. These injuries require immediate and appropriate care for good outcomes. Care by traditional bone setters (TBS) often result in treatment failure and life-threatening complications. This study assessed health care seeking for musculoskeletal injuries among residents of Biye, a rural community in Kaduna State, North-West Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional descriptive community-based study of 196 adults who consented and were interviewed using a pretested interviewer administered questionnaire. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and treatment history of musculoskeletal injuries were collected and analysed using IBM SPSS® software version 23.0. The age group 18 to 24 years predominates, 97 (49.5%) with mean age of 28 ± 9.3 years. There were 136(69.4%) males. Secondary education was the highest level of education attained by 70 (35.7%) and 74(37.8) were subsistent farmers. Forty-four (22.5%) have had injuries where 36 (81.6%) patronized TBS. Patronage of TBS was due to belief in effectiveness of the service 23(64.5%), cheap service 21 (59.2%), proximity 20(56.6%), and sponsor or family influence 15(41.4%). Hospital visit was because treatment involved use of imaging and multiple injuries 3(37.5%) or fear of complications 2(25%). Injuries predominate among young adult males, with high patronage of TBS mostly influenced by family and treatment sponsors. Public health enlightenment on dangers of TBS patronage and correction of misconceptions about orthodox care are necessary.
Keywords: Health seeking, musculoskeletal injuries, traditional bone setters, Nigeria
*Correspondence: deejahamza@yahoo.co.uk, 080338133305
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