Knowledge and Cognitive Determinants of Health-Seeking Behaviour Among Healthcare Professionals in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital: A Behavioural Science Perspective

Healthcare professionals play a central role in promoting the health of communities, yet their own health-seeking practices remain poorly understood. This study examines how knowledge, cognitive beliefs, and behavioural determinants shape the health-seeking behaviour of healthcare professionals in a major Nigerian teaching hospital. Drawing on concepts from the Health Belief Model and the Andersen Behavioural Model, the study investigates how perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and enabling factors interact with demographic characteristics to influence behaviour. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 260 healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital in Ekiti State, Nigeria. A validated, self-administered questionnaire assessed knowledge of proper health-seeking behaviour, consultation patterns, use of self-medication, and perceived predictors. Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression. Knowledge scores were summarised as percentages and classified using a 75% cut-off. Results showed a high level of knowledge, with 81.5% demonstrating good understanding of appropriate health-seeking behaviour. However, 41.9% exhibited improper health-seeking behaviour, most commonly characterised by self-medication. Younger professionals were significantly more likely to engage in improper behaviour than their older colleagues. Male professionals also had higher odds of improper health-seeking behaviour. Longer work hours and very high workload were associated with poorer behaviour, while enrolment in health insurance reduced the likelihood of improper practices. Despite their knowledge, many respondents relied on informal consultations, including phone calls, corridor discussions, and home visits, rather than formal clinic appointments. The findings indicate a persistent gap between knowledge and actual health-seeking practices. Behaviour appears shaped not only by knowledge but also by workload pressures, professional identity, perceived invulnerability, and cognitive biases. Strengthening workplace policies, reducing burnout, improving confidentiality, and promoting behavioural-change communication may improve the adoption of healthier practices among healthcare workers. Addressing these issues is essential for safeguarding the health workforce and strengthening the health system.