Health-Seeking Behaviour of People Living With Non-Communicable Diseases in Rural Ghana: A Case Of Dodi Asantekrom, Ghana

Abstract

Background: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with a rapidly increasing burden in low- and middle-income countries such as Ghana. In rural settings, limited access to healthcare services and structural barriers often influence how individuals seek care for chronic conditions, affecting timely diagnosis and effective management. Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases, examine health-seeking behaviours, and identify factors influencing healthcare utilization among individuals living with NCDs in Dodi Asantekrom in the Asuogyaman District. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a purposive sampling technique. Data was collected from individuals diagnosed with NCDs using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize key variables, while chi-square tests were conducted to examine associations between health-seeking behaviour and selected socio-demographic and structural factors. Data analysis was performed using STATA version 18. Results: Hypertension was the most prevalent condition (76.39%), followed by asthma (12.13%) and peptic ulcer disease (11.80%). The majority of respondents had lived with their condition for four years or more, and most were diagnosed by medical doctors (75.08%). Formal healthcare utilization was high (98.7%); however, a significant proportion of respondents reported delays in seeking care (94.43%) and switching between healthcare providers (89.18%). Informal care use was also widespread (96.7%), mainly as a complementary approach. Socio-demographic factors were not significantly associated with health-seeking behaviour, while transportation emerged as the only significant structural determinant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study highlights a high burden of hypertension and widespread reliance on formal healthcare services, alongside significant delays in care-seeking and extensive use of informal care. Health-seeking behaviour in this setting is influenced more by structural barriers than by socio-demographic characteristics. Addressing these structural constraints is essential for improving timely access to care and strengthening NCD management in rural communities.