Socio-Economic Determinants of Geriatric Healthcare Seeking Behavior in Lagos Nigeria

This study is carried out to examine social and economic factors that determine the Healthcare Seeking Behaviour (HSB) of elderly in the Nigerian society.200 elders purposively selected from Oshodi- Isolo and Ikeja Local Government Areas in Lagos State Nigeria, responded to Geriatrics Healthcare Seeking Behaviour Test (GHSBeT). Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in data analysis. Observed patterns shows that 50 % of caregivers are spouses, 45 % of the geriatrics preferred to confide with their orthodox doctors on issues. Reported preferred therapeutic method are 76 % orthodox medicine, 19 % indigenous traditional medicine, 2 % psychotherapy while 3 % use home rest without treatment. Observed preferred healthcare service used range from 36 % public hospitals to 9 % faith healing.40 % cost of the geriatric medical treatments are borne by children. Significant inverse correlation was observed between age and healthcare seeking behaviour (HSB) of the elderly (rxy (200) = -.28, P less than 0.05). There was no observed significant gender difference (t= -1.53, df =198, Pgreater than 0.05), significant marital status difference was observed (f= (200) 4.80, P less than 0.05) and no significant annual income influence on geriatric HSB (f= (200) 1.91, Pgreater than 0.05). Geriatrics focused public enlightenment programmes on seeking medical care from trained professional practitioners alone should be made at the community levels. Geriatrics pension schemes, social security systems or health insurance policies funded at the national level and implemented at the local communities to improve medical facilitates available for the elderly in the society. Development of Indigenous healthcare practices through researches efforts and funding are recommended.