EXPLORING HEALTH-SEEKING PATTERNS AMONG ABUJA ELITES: INSTITUTIONAL AND SOCIO-CULTURAL DRIVER

Abstract

This study investigates how institutional and socio-cultural factors shape health-seeking behaviour (HSB) among elites in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Despite their financial and educational advantages, elites in Abuja often exhibit inconsistent healthcare utilization patterns, including delayed consultations, reliance on private or foreign medical 

services, and selective engagement with preventive care. Using a descriptive cross-sectional survey design and a stratified random sample of 414 respondents, the study employed structured questionnaires and statistical analysis via SPSS. Findings revealed a statistically significant influence of both institutional (???? < 0.001, η² = 0.52) and socio-cultural factors (???? < 0.001, η² = 0.51) on HSB. Institutional drivers included lack of trust in public health facilities, poor service delivery, and administrative inefficiencies. Socio-cultural factors such as stigma, traditional beliefs, gender norms, and religious values also critically shaped decisions. The study underscores the paradox wherein well-informed elites bypass public healthcare systems due to systemic distrust, while simultaneously navigating cultural norms that delay or alter care-seeking pathways. These findings highlight the urgent need for policy reforms that restore institutional credibility and culturally sensitive interventions that align health promotion with elite behavioural patterns. The study contributes valuable insights for equity-driven healthcare planning in Nigeria.