The Influence of Cultural Beliefs on Health-Seeking Behaviours in Iju-Ota Community, Ogun State, Nigeria

Cultural beliefs significantly shape health-seeking behaviours in many Nigerian communities, influencing individuals' choices between traditional and biomedical healthcare systems. Thisstudy examinesthe influence of cultural beliefs on health-seeking behaviours in Iju-Ota Community, Ogun State, Nigeria, exploring how traditional practices, spiritual healing, and socioeconomic factors determine healthcare decisions. Using qualitative data collected through in-depth interviews followed by thematic analysis based on the responses to research questions from residents of Iju-Ota, to arrive at clear objectives of the research study. The findings reveal that a majority of residents rely on traditional medicine, herbal remedies, and spiritual interventions due to their accessibility, affordability, and alignment with deeply rooted cultural values. However, despite the preference for traditional healing, many individuals also engage in a dual-system approach, combining biomedical treatments with indigenous methods. The study further highlights that gender roles, economic constraints, and healthcare distrust contribute to delays in seeking professional medical care, particularly for chronic conditions. While cultural beliefs provide a sense of identity, community trust, and spiritual reassurance, they also present challenges such as delayed diagnosis, unregulated herbal treatments, and limited awareness of modern healthcare options. The research emphasises the need for culturally sensitive healthcare policies, improved community health education, structured collaborations between traditional healers and biomedical professionals and adequate research to discover the hidden potential to enhance healthcare accessibility and effectiveness in Iju-Ota, Ogun State.