# 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.

## Key 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.