Assessment of the Health Seeking Behaviour of Medical Laboratory Scientists in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Health seeking behavior of Medical Laboratory Scientists in developing countries is not known currently. Our study sought to describe the health seeking behavior of Medical Laboratory Scientists in Nigeria.
Methodology : A cross-sectional survey was carried out among Medical Laboratory Scientists working at different laboratories in northern Nigeria. Questionnaires were self administered to Medical Laboratory Scientists to get information on their self reported health seeking habits.
Results: A total of one hundred and forty (140) completed questionnaires were analyzed, when ill, 63(45%) consulted a physician while 93(66.4%) consulted a physician when a relative was sick. Self and family relative prescription was practiced by 37(26.4%) with the commonly prescribed drug being antimalarials 45(32.1%). The commonest laboratory investigation for which respondents would prescribe drugs was examination for malaria parasite 43(43%). The major reason given by respondents for prescribing drugs was to assist and offer help to the sick 29(20.7%) Conclusion: This study shows that a significant number of Medical Laboratory Scientists in the area of study engage in prescription for self and for close relatives.

Key Words: Medical Laboratory Scientists, self prescription, physicians, Health seeking behavior