Health Seeking Behaviour among the Internally Displaced Persons in the North East Nigeria: Case Study of Tuberculosis Patients

Abstract

Over two million people are internally displaced in north-eastern Nigeria due to the complex humanitarian catastrophe. Overcrowded and unclean living conditions increase the risk of tuberculosis (TB) transmission, sickness, and death. The seeking behaviour of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in northeastern Nigeria was explored to improve disease surveillance and response in IDP camps and host communities. In Adamawa, Gombe, and Yobe states, this qualitative study recruited tuberculosis patients from IDPs. The study selected 50 adult IDPs using purposive sampling. Participants were interviewed at relocation camps utilising open-ended in-depth questions. Finance predicted response speed and health care seeking. Most individuals use chemists or alternative treatment instead of hospitals except in emergencies. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) can get healthcare depending on proximity and transit difficulty and cost, according to the study. Internally displaced people (IDPs) were satisfied with free medical care, but hospitals’ incapacity to prescribe and perform exams pushed them to private institutions. Free medications and education increase healthcare utilisation. Logistical difficulties must be addressed to improve IDP hospital treatment. Hospital wait times must be fixed.