MULTIDIMENSIONAL POVERTY AND HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOURS: EVIDENCE FROM FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

This study examined the relationship between multidimensional poverty and health seeking behaviour among farming households in Kwara State Nigeria. A three stage sampling technique was employed to select 200 farming households in the study area. Data were collected using well-structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, Multinomial logit and the Ordinary Least Square regression models were the major analytical tools employed for the study. The result showed that multidimensional poverty significantly affects the health seeking behaviour of farming households. This was in term of place of consultation, timing of consultation and cost of assessing healthcare. The study therefore recommended that, government at all levels should design specific Community Based Health Insurance Scheme targeted at the rural poor. For communities where this exists, it should be restructured to accommodate more rural poor.