Abstract

Childhood illnesses present a major public health challenges for a developing country like Uganda which is aggravated by a suboptimal health seeking behaviour by the parents or guardians. Appropriate medical care could prevent a significant number of child deaths and
complications. The aim of this research was to determine the factors influencing health care
seeking behaviours among caretakers of children below 5 years at Bugala Island, Kalangala
district. A cross-sectional descriptive study design quantitative in nature was conducted in
rural area of Bugala Island using simple random sampling, a total of 50 participants were recruited into the study. Results indicated that more than 60% had poor health seeking behaviours associated with increased number of children. Furthermore, poor means of transport, high costs of transport and user charges as well as others being delayed by
traditional healers. Level of education was found to have high influence in early health care
seeking behaviours. This study recommends that an intensive awareness campaigns through
multimedia approach stressing on female literacy, improving on socio-economic status of people along with counselling on early health care seeking practices especially for under 5 years children should be encouraged. Also government should consider Bugala Island and
Kalangala district in general as special area with unique challenges and put a health unit at
village levels because of long distances from the town in order to reduce mortality and morbidity of under 5 years Children. A study on attitudes of health workers in relation to early health care seeking behaviours needs also to be carried out.