Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Workplace Health-Seeking Behavior: Patterns and Determinants among Employees in the National Horticultural Research Institute (Nihort), Ibadan, Nigeria

Health-seeking behavior is a critical aspect of workplace equity, yet research examining it throughan integrated equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) lens within Nigerian research institutionsremains limited. This study fills this gap by investigating the patterns and determinants of healthseekingbehavior among employees of the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT),Nigeria, using a framework grounded in intersectionality and Social Cognitive Theory. Aconcurrent mixed-methods design with 156 employees revealed significant disparities: healthcareutilization varied markedly by gender (p<0.01), income (p<0.01), education (p<0.01), and jobcategory (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. Thefindings demonstrate systemic inequities in access and outcomes, underscoring the urgent need forinclusive, equity-centered workplace health policies that address intersecting socio-demographicdisadvantages.