Health-care seeking behaviour among diabetes patients in Umuiahia, Abia State

Background and Objectives. Diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by various risk factors, poses challenges in low-resource settings where patients often lack a comprehensive understanding of self-management. Consequently, adherence to treatment plans becomes a struggle, resulting in poor glycaemic control, increased morbidity, and elevated mortality rates. The study evaluated the health-seeking behaviour and attitudes toward healthcare among patients with diabetes in Umuahia, Abia State. Material and Methods. A crosssectional study was conducted among 232 adult patients with diabetes residing in Umuahia local government area. Data were gathered through semi-structured questionnaires and personal interviews with respondents. Descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis, while differences were assessed using χ 2 tests, with a significance level set at P < 0.05. Results. In terms of diabetes knowledge, the majority of males exhibited low knowledge across government hospital (71.6%), private clinic (81.1%), and traditional healers (100%). Significant differences in age-related diabetes knowledge were observed in government (χ 2 = 19.052; P = 0.004) and private (χ 2 = 13.694; P = 0.033) healthcare facilities. Traditional healer visits indicated a higher proportion of good attitude within the age group of 41-50 years (75.0%). Conversely, those attending government hospitals in the same age group showed a higher proportion of low attitude (42.5%). A significant difference in age-related attitude towards diabetes was noted among those visiting private hospitals (χ 2 = 18.735; P = 0.005). More than 60% of female respondents attending government and private clinics exhibited poor diabetes practices, while both genders (male: 50%; female: 66.7%) attending traditional healers demonstrated good diabetes practices. Significant differences in diabetes practices were found in those seeking healthcare in government (χ 2 = 5.692; P = 0.017) and private (χ 2 = 10.065; P = 0.002) healthcare facilities. Conclusion. The care-seeking pattern exhibited inconsistency, involving various healthcare providers influenced by conventional and traditional health system. Despite a belief in seeking complementary and alternative medicine, participants still faced numerous physical health problems related to diabetes complications. Health professionals should be vigilant about the potential shifts between healthcare providers and devise strategies for health promotion interventions to ensure continuity in effective diabetes care.