A COMPARATIVE WORKFORCE ASSESSMENT IN TERTIARY HEALTHCARE SETTINGS IN NIGERIA ON HEALTHSEEKING PATTERNS AND SERVICE UTILISATION

Healthcare workers occupy a unique position in the health system—they deliver care, influence patient health behaviours, yet often struggle to prioritise their own well-being. Despite their knowledge and access to services, evidence consistently shows delayed care-seeking, self-treatment, and low utilisation of preventive services among this workforce. This study examined the health-seeking patterns and utilisation of healthcare services among clinical and non-clinical staff in two tertiary healthcare institutions in Nigeria, with the aim of identifying gaps and predictors that shape their healthcare behaviour. A comparative, facility-based cross-sectional design using a concurrent mixedmethod approach was implemented among 460 respondents—230 clinical and 230 non-clinical staff. Quantitative data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, while qualitative insights were obtained through key informant interviews. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests for associations, and binary logistic regression to identify predictors of service utilisation (p<0.05). Qualitative data were analysed using NVIVO14. Findings revealed notable differences in age distribution, perceived health status, health behaviours, and health-seeking practices between both groups. Inappropriate health-seeking behaviour was more common among clinical staff (87.4%) than non-clinical staff (80%). Utilisation of healthcare services was generally poor across the workforce, with non-clinical staff (83.9%) slightly more likely to underutilize services than clinical staff (82.2%). Predictors of good utilization among clinical workers included being on regular medication,appropriate health-seeking behaviour, and access to health insurance. Among non-clinical workers, ever consulting a doctor and having appropriate health-seeking behaviour significantly influenced utilization patterns. Overall, despite reporting good perceived health status, both clinical and non-clinical staff demonstrated poor utilization of formal healthcare services and inconsistent engagement in preventive care. The patterns uncovered underscore a critical need for institutional policies that encourage routine medical check-ups, strengthen occupational health systems, improve access to health insurance, and address cultural norms around self-treatment. Strengthening the health-seeking culture of healthcare workers is essential not only for workforce well-being but also for sustaining quality care delivery within Nigeria’s tertiary health system.