Factors influencing health-seeking behavior among men in Zimbabwe. a case study of Westlea suburb Harare
- Author
- Garaba, Passmore
- Title
- Factors influencing health-seeking behavior among men in Zimbabwe. a case study of Westlea suburb Harare
- Abstract
- The aim of the study was to explore the factors influencing health seeking behavior among men in Zimbabwe, Westlea Suburb of Harare. The study used Human security theory as conceptual framework, aiding in the understanding of economic, food, environmental and personal security that set out prerequisites for maintaining good health among men. The literature review articulated the factors that deterred and persuaded most men when seeking medical help assistance when they get ill, while addressing the positive and negative effects of the factors. The study used a qualitative method as research design. The researcher used Westlea Suburb of Harare as the targeted population. The random sampling technique was used randomly to select 45 people from Westlea Suburb. Then purposive sampling technique was used in select the six key informants of the interview. Questionnaire and Key informant’s interviews were used by the researcher to collect data. The research findings on the first objective revealed that most men do not seek medical help when ill with a coughing. This is because it is important judge the nature of illness before consulting suitable course of action. The research findings also indicated that most men seek medical help when test positive for HIV/AIDS, Sugar Diabetes and when ill with Influenza Virus. This is because most men found visiting the hospital and disclosing their illness had improved physical health and emotional support. The research findings of the second objective revealed that lack of money deter most men from seeking medical help assistance when they get ill. This is because most men see seeking healthcare as an unnecessary expense that takes resources that could be used to support the household. The research findings on the third objective revealed that that most men who belong to Johanne Marange Apostolic faith do not seek medical help assistance when they get ill. This is because they believe in the power of prayer and spiritual intervention for healing over medical healing. The study findings showed that the majority of men belonging to Christianity, Islamic and ATR denominations were allowed to seek medical help when they get ill. This is because their bodies are gifts from God and should be cared for responsibly and that includes seeking medical assistance to address health concerns and maintain wellbeing. The fourth objective revealed that that most men are not well socialized to seek medical help by the family. This is because they were taught to be strong and able to withstand pain. The research concluded that there are a lot factors that positively and negatively influence most men not to seek medical health assistance when they get ill. The study revealed a lot of issues which include that most men do not have a health insurance and this deter them from seeking medical help when they get sick. It is recommended that the Government should force men to have health insurance so that they are helped when they get ill. Area of further research should focus on the factors influencing the use of health services among women in Zimbabwe.
- Date
- June 2024
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- AIDS, denominations, health, healthcare, illness, HIV, security, power, peers and socialization.
- Supervisor
- NIL
- Item sets
- Department of Peace and Governance
