Choice of Healthcare Services and Religious Affiliation: A Case Study of the Apostolic Church and Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, Calabar, Nigeria

Nya John Ikpeme
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Nya John Ikpeme: Centre for General Studies, Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2022, vol. 6, issue 5, 622-632

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.

Date: 2022
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bcp:journl:v:6:y:2022:i:5:p:622-632

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