An Analytical Study of the Relationship Between Perceived Quality of Health, Health Expectations, and Health-Seeking Behaviour of Health Workers

Abstract

Health workers are expected to model optimal health-seeking behavior, however variations in their health expectations and perceived quality of health can significantly impact their engagement in such behaviours. This study investigates the effects of perceived quality of health and health expectations on health-seeking behaviour of health workers. Additionally, it examines whether demographic variables such as age, marital status, religion, ethnicity, and profession predict health-seeking behaviour. A sample of health workers from various healthcare professions in tertiary health care participated in the study. Data was collected using standardized questionnaires, and results were analyzed using Pearson correlation, multiple regression analysis, and structural equation modeling at 0.05 significance level. Significant positive correlations were found between health expectations and health-seeking behaviour (r = 0.452, p < 0.05) and between perceived quality of health and health-seeking behaviour (r = 0.203, p < 0.05). Multiple regression analyses revealed a good model fit for health expectations predicting health-seeking behaviour (chi-square = 1.132, RMSEA = 0.036, CFI = 0.996), with a significant effect (β = 0.48, p < 0.001). For socio-demographic factors, the model fit was also adequate (chi-square = 1.132, p = 0.287, RMSEA = 0.036), highlighting significant predictors of health-seeking behaviour, notably gender (β = -0.986, p < 0.001) and religion (β = -0.354, p < 0.001). Enhancing health expectations and perceptions of healthcare quality can improve health practitioner health-seeking behaviour. Targeted interventions should focus on addressing socio-demographic barriers to healthcare access and provision of health care counseling services should be encouraged.