Health-Seeking Behaviour and Healthcare Service Utilization among Healthcare Workers in Tertiary Hospitals in Ondo State, Nigeria

Background: Healthcare workers are central to delivering quality care, yet many struggle to care for their own health due to heavy workloads, long hours, and a culture that normalizes self-treatment. This study explored how healthcare workers in tertiary hospitals in Ondo State, Nigeria, seek healthcare and what drives their utilisation of available services. Method: A comparative, mixed-methods cross-sectional design was used to assess 460 participants—230 clinical and 230 non-clinical workers—across two tertiary health facilities. Quantitative data were collected with pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires, while qualitative insights were gathered through Key Informant Interviews. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression at a significance level of p < 0.05. Qualitative data were thematically analysed using NVIVO 14. Results: Findings revealed notable differences between the two groups. Clinical workers were generally younger and reported poorer health behaviours compared to their non-clinical counterparts. Inappropriate health-seeking behaviour was high in both groups but more pronounced among clinical staff (87.4% vs. 80%). Utilisation of health services was similarly poor across both groups, though non-clinical workers reported slightly lower use (83.9% vs. 82.2%). Predictors of better healthcare utilisation among clinical workers included being on regular medication, having appropriate health-seeking behaviour, and possessing health insurance. Among non-clinical workers, having ever consulted a doctor and exhibiting appropriate health-seeking behaviour significantly increased the likelihood of good utilisation. Conclusion: Overall, despite perceiving themselves as healthy, both groups demonstrated poor health-seeking patterns and underutilisation of available health services. These findings underscore the urgent need for policies and institutional interventions that actively promote preventive care, routine screening, and a healthier workplace culture for all healthcare workers.