Submission ID 131732
| Issue/Objective | Background: Religious institutions shape how illness is interpreted and when and where care is soughtan often-overlooked determinant of equitable access in urban African settings. Understanding denominational pathways to care can identify leverage points for timely, culturally responsive intervention. Objectives: (1) To compare health seeking behaviour across three Christian denominations in Abuja. (2) To identify socio demographic and denominational predictors of formal healthcare to inform faith sensitive strategies that improve timely care. |
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| Methodology/Approach | We conducted a comparative cross sectional mixed methods study among 1,329 adults in Abuja: Anglican Communion (n=455), Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG; n=442), and Celestial Church of Christ (CCC; n=432) using multistage sampling. Quantitative surveys were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi square tests, and logistic regression to assess predictors of seeking care at a health facility when unwell. Qualitative in depth and key informant interviews were analyzed thematically to characterise denominational pathways to care. |
| Results | Health seeking behaviour differed by denomination (p<0.001). Overall, 68.4% reported seeking care from a health facility when unwell, with substantial variation (RCCG 92.3%, Anglican 73.6%, CCC 38.4%). Qualitative findings suggested Anglicans commonly used biomedical services with prayer as complementary support; RCCG participants frequently initiated care with spiritual support and counselling, often followed by or alongside formal care; and CCC participants commonly used dual pathways-biomedical care for illnesses perceived as "natural" and spiritual care for illnesses perceived as "supernatural." Predictors of care choice included age, education, income, and marital status. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | Denominational doctrine and sociodemographic factors shape both the timing and type of care in Abuja. Faith-sensitive partnerships with church leadership that link spiritual support to clear referral pathways may reduce delays and strengthen equitable access while respecting religious norms. |
| Presenters and Affiliations | Stella Atema Ijioma Global Fund N THRIP, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), Abuja, Nigeria Kazeem Ayodeji Global Fund N THRIP, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), Abuja, Nigeria Charity Sanni Global Fund N THRIP, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), Abuja, Nigeria Agatha Nwachkwu Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria. Abimbola Nwoko Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria. Afolabi Sunbo Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria. Samuel Orok Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria. Alabere Ibidabo School of Public Health, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria Maduka Ijioma School of Public Health, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria Hasiya Bello Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria. Evaezi Okpokoro Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria. |
