Socioeconomic determinants of traditional healthcare utilization in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State

Authors

  • Ikpeme Dorothy Charles Department of Sociology, University of Calabar, Calabar Author
  • Udom Hannah Thompson Department of Social Work, University of Calabar, Calabar. Author
  • Undeshi Victoria Asabe Department of Sociology, University of Calabar, Calabar Author
  • Afu Dorothy Njijie Department of Sociology, University of Calabar, Calabar Author
  • Agbor Eshiga Otuokwa Department of Sociology, University of Calabar, Calabar Author
  • Ubijor Fidelia Nkanim Department of Sociology, University of Calabar, Calabar Author
  • Betiang John Akwagiobe Department of Sociology, University of Calabar, Calabar Author

Keywords:

Socioeconomic determinants, Traditional healthcare, Utilization, Income and education

Abstract

This study explores the socioeconomic determinants of traditional healthcare utilization in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria. The research investigates the relationship between occupation, income level, educational level, and the use of traditional healthcare services. A survey design was employed, with 402 respondents selected through multistage sampling from six randomly chosen streets across the Calabar Municipality and Calabar South. The study’s hypotheses were tested to determine the significance of the relationship between these socioeconomic factors and healthcare utilization. Findings reveal that occupation does not significantly influence traditional healthcare utilization, while both income level and educational level show a perfect positive correlation with usage. Based on these results, the study recommends enhanced social investment programs to address income inequality and improve healthcare access. It also advocates for increased public awareness through collaborative campaigns by the government, NGOs, and media to educate the public on the benefits of traditional healthcare services in in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria.

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Published

2026-05-12

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How to Cite

Socioeconomic determinants of traditional healthcare utilization in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State. (2026). Multi-Disciplinary Journal of Research and Development Perspectives, 13(2), 110-126. https://mjrdp-unical.org.ng/index.php/home/article/view/126

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