CULTURAL CONTEXT OF HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTION AND UTILIZATION OF BIO-MEDICAL HEALTHCARE FACILITIES IN RURAL AKOKO COMMUNITIES OF ONDO STATE
Raymond Kayode Kuteyi & Remi Justinah Jaiyeola
Department Archaeology &Anthropology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan,
Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Email: raymondkuteyi90@gmail.com,joljos73@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Household production in rural communities is characterized by cultural forces that are external to and coercive of individual; yet little has been done to examine how cultural context of household production implicate on utilization of biomedical facilities. In spite of policies and programmes designed to improve utilization of biomedical facilities among rural dwellers; they are yet to be secured health wise. This study investigated cultural context of household production and their implications on utilization of bio-medical facilities. Through qualitative and descriptive ethnography, Key Informant Interview (KII), Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and the textual analysis of documents, our study seeks to establish that values, customs and beliefs embedded in production strategies are principles that make productive activities more tasking and complex in rural Akoko communities. It therefore limits available time to utilize quality biomedical facilities, thus making people rely more on traditional remedies. Rural Akoko people preferred traditional remedies which allow them have more time for household productive activities. Rural Akoko people devoted more attention to work than healthcare. They utilize biomedical facilities at advanced stages of illnesses, resulting in various health and healthcare insecurities. The cultural strategies adopted in the household production in rural Akoko communities have a strong influence in determining the utilization of biomedical facilities. The interface between household production strategies and utilization of biomedical facilities in rural communities therefore deserves more attention in order to aid the formulation of policy for health interventions. This will improve health status of rural dwellers
Keywords: Household, Production, Strategies, Healthcare, Rural, Akoko