DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOUR OF NOMADIC PASTORALISTS IN LOW AND MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES: A SCOPING REVIEW

Access and utilization of healthcare facilities have been an important factor in determining the health and wellbeing gap in society. However, these opportunities have not been benefiting some communities, such as the pastoralist communities, due to the constant movement in search of pasture for the animals. These communities are also faced with other issues, such as language and cultural concerns, which may impact how they interact with healthcare providers. In that regard, this review was carried out to assess some of the issues that impact the health-seeking behaviours of these communities in order to understand the underutilization of healthcare facilities.

In meeting the research, the study adopted a scoping review in which the researcher relied on 25 sources to provide evidence on the issues. These articles were sourced from Google Scholar, Scopus PubMed, and ScienceDirect.

The study indicated that health-seeking behaviours have been impacted by negative perceptions, misinformation, misconceptions regarding the mainstream care system and increased institutional barriers. Cultural attitudes and low knowledge and education level helps in sustaining the negative perception that later shaped the health-seeking behaviours.

Misinformation also created misconception around various diseases and symptoms, thereby limiting the urgency of seeking care from qualified medical practitioners. Distance was a significant factor because it made the accessibility of healthcare facility impossible. The study further recommends the improvement of knowledge through awareness to minimize misconceptions about health or diseases.