PATTERNS OF HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOUR AMONG PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS IN SELECTED HOSPITALS IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE

Health-seeking behaviour among people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) critically affects treatment outcomes and public health, particularly in resource-limited settings where structural, social, and economic barriers hinder care. This study therefore examined the health-seeking patterns of HIV/AIDS patients in selected hospitals in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, with three objectives: identifying common behavioural patterns, determining influencing factors, and analysing interventions to improve engagement. Guided by the Health Belief Model and Theory of Planned Behaviour, the research adopted a descriptive survey design. The study population comprised 10,351 patients across four purposively selected hospitals, faith-based, private, and public facilities. Using Taro Yamane’s formula, a sample of 400 was targeted; 384 valid questionnaires were returned (96% response rate). The study adopted multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and key informant interviews and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests and multiple linear regression. Findings revealed significant patterns in health-seeking behaviour (χ² = 457.04, p < 0.001) and strong relationships between influencing factors and behaviours (R² = 0.62, F = 18.70, p < 0.001). Quarterly attendance was most common with government and private hospitals. Treatment interruptions affected 68.7% of respondents, driven mainly by stigma fears and transport costs. Key determinants of behaviour included healthcare quality, privacy concerns and staff attitudes, while transportation costs had a negative effect. Intervention support was highest for stigma reduction campaigns, followed by community-based programmes and economic empowerment initiatives. Hypothesis testing confirmed significant impacts of proposed interventions (R² = 0.58, p = 0.001). The study concluded that HIV/AIDS patients in Benin City exhibit structured quarterly healthcare engagement but face substantial treatment interruptions from stigma and economic barriers. Improving care quality, safeguarding privacy, and enhancing staff attitudes are critical to strengthening engagement. Recommendations included implementing quality assurance and sensitivity training, integrating stigma reduction with economic support through community partnerships, and developing differentiated service delivery models, including community-based care and technological support systems.