Factors influencing health-seeking behavior among Sudanese immigrants in Saudi Arabia

TL;DR

This study explores what influences Sudanese immigrants in Saudi Arabia to seek healthcare, finding that age and lack of insurance are significant factors.

Contribution

The study identifies specific factors influencing health-seeking behavior among Sudanese immigrants in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the role of health insurance.

Findings

Most participants (66.6%) visited primary healthcare centers for medical issues.

Self-medication was common, with 45.7% reporting it in the past three months.

Age and lack of health insurance were significant predictors of health-seeking behavior.

Abstract

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.

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.

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).

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.