Health Seeking Behaviour Among Rural Dwellers in Selected Areas in Benin-republic: a Cross Sectional Study

Objective Health seeking behavior is a major, fundamental and crucial aspect of healthcare, as it determines how individuals perceive, seek, and utilize healthcare services. Understanding health seeking behavior is essential in promoting health outcomes and preventing diseases of any kind. The study aims to assess health seeking behavior and factors influencing decision to seek medical care among rural dwellers in Cotonou, Portnovo and Abomey-Calavi, Benin Republic. Results One hundred and seventeen (33.4%) respondents do not seek medical care when they feel unwell while only 13 (3.7%) seek health care immediately. Majority (269,76.9%) do not think medical attention can help when they are unwell and majority 260 (74.3%) are not aware of the consequences of not seeking medical attention. Majority of the respondents 244 (69.7%) chose cost of medical care and accessibility to the facility as factors that influences their decision to seek medical care.