Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Workplace Health-Seeking Behavior: Patterns and Determinants among Employees in the National Horticultural Research Institute (Nihort), Ibadan, Nigeria
Keywords:
Health equity, workplace diversity, inclusive health policy, healthcare access, organizational health promotion, intersectionality, workplace equityAbstract
Health-seeking behavior is a critical aspect of workplace equity, yet research examining it through
an integrated equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) lens within Nigerian research institutions
remains limited. This study fills this gap by investigating the patterns and determinants of healthseeking
behavior among employees of the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT),
Nigeria, using a framework grounded in intersectionality and Social Cognitive Theory. A
concurrent mixed-methods design with 156 employees revealed significant disparities: healthcare
utilization varied markedly by gender (p<0.01), income (p<0.01), education (p<0.01), and job
category (p<0.01). Logistic regression identified female gender (OR=2.34), higher education
(OR=1.67), and health insurance (OR=3.12) as strong predictors of healthcare utilization. The
findings demonstrate systemic inequities in access and outcomes, underscoring the urgent need for
inclusive, equity-centered workplace health policies that address intersecting socio-demographic
disadvantages.
