Health Seeking Behaviour of Tiv Women Living with Fibroid in Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors and one of the foremost causes of infertility among women. While there are several clinic-based studies on the biological context of fibroid, very few had examined its socio-cultural context in a community study in Nigeria. This paper, therefore, examined health seeking behaviour of women living with fibroid in Tiv communities in Benue State, Nigeria. The study participants were selected from 4 Tiv speaking local government areas (Gboko, Makurdi, Ukum and Vandeikya) in Benue State through multi stage sampling technique. Sequential explanatory mixed method of data collection was used. Fibroid occurrence is common among women in age categories 30-39 (51%). All the respondents living fibroid sought treatment, however, 60% of the respondents prefer orthodox medical treatment while the remaining 40% prefer the traditional healing process. Income, proximity to healthcare facility, influence of relatives, friends, and health professionals have stronger influence on the health seeking behaviour of women living with fibroid. The health seeking is combination of both traditional and modern medicines while surgical procedure is less utilised. The study recommends an increased sensitization and awareness about fibroid.

Knowledge and Perception towards Uterine Fibroids among Ante-Natal Clinic Attendees in Two Sub-Urban Communities in Delta State, Nigeria

“…The quality of information from these sources can be poor and/or inadequate. This finding is similar to studies carried out by Adegbesan, et al (2014) and Akpenpuun, et al (2019) which also found that a high level of awareness among respondents did not translate to a good level of knowledge. In contrast, majority of the participants in a study conducted in Kerala, India had good knowledge of uterine fibroid (Sarojini et al, 2020;Neelima et al, 2020).…”

“…A little above one-tenth of the study respondents believed that lack of sexual activity was a cause of fibroids. This finding is similar to that obtained from a study conducted in Benue State, Nigeria (Akpenpuun et al, 2019).Majority of the study respondents did not believe that fibroid treatment was a waste of time and money. This is in line with a study carried out in India (Neelima et al, 2020).…”

“…Over half of the respondents did not perceive fibroids as remnant of menstrual blood and majority did not agree that fibroids affect only infertile women. These findings are similar to those obtained from a study conducted among Tiv women of Benue State (Akpenpuun et al 2019). Majority of the respondents were of the opinion that herbal tonics, traditional medicines and spiritual therapy /prayers can be used for the treatment of uterine fibroid.…”