Abstract

The cross-sectional survey research design was used to the study the factors influencing choice of medical care among ill patients suffering from chronic diseases in Ebonyi State. The sample of the study comprised 325 in-patients with selected chronic diseases such as diabetics’ mellitus, cardiac and renal diseases who were undergoing treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FETHA 1) Abakaliki. The instrument used for data collection was a 26-item questionnaire developed by the researchers. Data collected were analyzed using percentages in order to describe the data and chi-square (χ²) statistic in order to establish whether there was any significant association between the independent variables of gender and level education attained and the dependent variables, that is, the factors influencing choice of medical care among chronic diseases patients. The results of the study showed that the association between gender and factors influencing choice of medical care is not significant except for culture, employer and strong hope of cure (p < 0.05). Secondly, the association between level of education attained by patients and factors influencing choice of medical care is significant except for finance, access to hospital, relationship with medical personnel and adequacy of hospital facilities (p > 0.05). The need for chronic diseases clinics and hospitals for prompt treatment of chronic diseases patients is advocated.

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