Effect of Educational Attainment on Health-Seeking Behaviour of Urban Slum Dwellers in Nigeria: An Insight from the Lagos State Metropolis in Nigeria

Abstract

Background This research investigates the effect of socioeconomic correlates of educational attainment on the health-seeking behaviour of slum dwellers of the Lagos State metropolis. Methods Research locations were Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Apapa, Shomolu, and Lagos Mainland, which are Local Government Areas that account for most of the notable slum settlements in Lagos State. Study methods were mixed, and qualitative and qualitative data were collected, which were used to enrich the study outcomes. A modified Taro Yamane sampling formula was used to select four hundred members of the slum settlements, and the sampling techniques were purposeful and accidental due to the non-availability of a probable sampling frame of the study population. Results The p-value statistics of 0.0.14 showed a significant relationship between educational attainment and healthcare services utilization/health-seeking behaviour, while the binary logistic regression showed an inverse relationship, the higher the educational attainment of residents the less likely they are to utilize healthcare services in the slum areas. Conclusion The research, therefore, recommends accessible education policies and improvement of the healthcare facilities in the slum settlements.

Keywords

• Socioeconomic factors, education, health, health-seeking behaviour, slum settlements, Lagos State metropolis.