Health Seeking Behaviour Among Mothers and Caregivers of Under Five Children in Ilorin Metropolis

Abstract Rationale Nigeria ranks among the top five countries with the highest under-five mortality rates globally, reflecting suboptimal child health outcomes. Improving child survival is a critical component of global development, particularly under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which aims to reduce under-five mortality to fewer than 25 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2030. The national under-five mortality rate stands at approximately 102 deaths per 1,000 live births, with regional disparities exacerbating the burden. Ilorin Metropolis which is a combination of urban and peri-urban communities, under-five mortality remains a pressing concern as the interplay of modern and traditional care options, coupled with structural issues in healthcare delivery, contribute to delays in accessing appropriate care. This study aims to provide timely data on the healthcare-seeking behaviors of mothers and caregivers in Ilorin Metropolis. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured, open-ended questionnaire administered to 282 participants in Ilorin Metropolis. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2021, employing descriptive statistics such as frequency distributions and percentages. Cross-tabulation and p-value determination were used to examine associations between key variables. Results Findings revealed that majority (91%) of caregivers sought healthcare services from formal sources. Key determinants of health seeking were the age of the child, educational status of the parent, family’s monthly income, health insurance coverage and rising cost of healthcare. Fever (52.2%) and reduced activity (22%) were the commonest indicators of illness such that only 41% of caregivers sought care within 24 hours of symptom onset. Delays in care-seeking were attributed to self-medication, financial constraint, the requirement for paternal consent, and underestimation of symptom severity.. Despite a higher satisfaction rate with formal healthcare, challenges such as long wait times, high drug costs, and staff shortages especially in public facilities were common. Conclusion Health-seeking behaviors for under-five children in Ilorin metropolis was observed to be fair, which is influenced by a complex interplay of individual, cultural, and systemic factors. Although the majority of caregivers demonstrated a preference for formal healthcare utilizing public and private health facilities numerous barriers persist. A coordinated, multi-sectoral approach integrating health education, infrastructure investment, and policy reform is essential to reinforce positive health-seeking behaviors among caregivers and ensure timely, equitable access to quality healthcare for all under-five children in the Ilorin metropolis.