Disposition of Rural Dwellers towards the Use of Primary Healthcare Centres in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the behavioural disposition of rural dwellers towards the use of primary
healthcare centre (PHC) in Lagos State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was carried out
among 222 rural PHC users. Respondents were selected through a multi-stage sampling
procedure. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire and administered via
a digital survey tool. Data were analysed using percentages, Pearson correlation, and multiple
linear regression. Respondents were predominantly married females (68.5%) and
demonstrated high knowledge (95.9–99.5%) and positive attitudes ( = 4.54–4.73) toward
healthy lifestyle practices. However, knowledge (β = 0.016) and attitude (β = 0.016) showed
less predictive effects on healthy lifestyle behaviour. In contrast, utilisation of PHC services
emerged as the strongest predictor of behaviour (β = 0.521). The findings indicate that healthy
lifestyle behaviour in rural settings is driven primarily by service utilisation and sociocontextual
factors rather than mere knowledge, underscoring the need to strengthen preventive, lifestyle
supportive services and address socio-economic barriers.