Choice of Healthcare Services and Religious Affiliation: A Case Study of the Apostolic Church and Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, Calabar, Nigeria
- June 15, 2022
- Posted by: rsispostadmin
- Categories: IJRISS, Social Science
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume VI, Issue V, May 2022 | ISSN 2454–6186
Nya John Ikpeme
Centre for General Studies,
Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria,
Abstract: Proliferation of Faith-based clinics is giving a new dimension to health care services in Nigeria. Some religious organizations combine their spiritual healing with Orthodox medicine while others reject Orthodox medicine completely. This study examines two religious groups; The Apostolic Church (TAC) and Brotherhood of the Cross and Star(BCS) in Calabar South, Nigeria. An overview of the Profile of the church is presented here with highlights of their key beliefs in health and healing. The relationship between religious affiliation and choice of healthcare services is looked at with an aim to ascertain their preferred choice of health care and level of utilization of orthodox healthcare services. Action Theory was adopted as the working theory for this study. Gathering of data was done using the survey method with interview schedule. Findings show that members of BCS and TAC combine prayers with Orthodox healthcare services but BCS members use Orthodox healthcare services more for surgical cases. Respondents from both churches visit Chemist shops more than they attend hospitals. Further findings show that members from both churches use Orthodox healthcare services more for their children. TAC members use orthodox healthcare services more than BCS members. Recommendations made include increased sensitization of church members on the benefits of orthodox Healthcare services. Improved supervision of Chemist shops by registered Pharmacists to ensure the safety of users is also recommended.
Key Words: Healthcare, Orthodox, Religious affiliation, Utilization
I.INTRODUCTION
Health and healthcare services are important component of development. They represent the wealth of every nation. A sick nation is bound to remain undeveloped. This is because sick people are not productive and cannot contribute to the development of the community and the nation. As a result, resources that would have been gainfully engaged in nation building will be diverted into addressing health care problems or pandemic of some sort. This is why different government make concerted effort to ensure that community members have access to good healthcare services. Different nations under the auspices of World Health Organizations seek effective solution to all disease conditions of all humans in
