THE NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY
ISSN: 0331-4111 e-ISSN: 2736-075X
Volume 24, No. 2, November 2026
Pages 77-90
DOI: 10.36108/NJSA/6202.42.0250
Knowledge and Practice of Routine Medical Check-up among Self-Employed Commercial Drivers in Abia State, Nigeria
Promise Chukwuedozie Udeh1, Samuel Okpanocha Okpan2, Jane Chigozie Nwogwugwu3, Ezinne Perpetua Bassy4 and Franklin Chibuike Nwankwo5
1School of General Studies, Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State
2Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Evangel University, Akaeze, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
3Department of Sociology, University of Calabar, Nigeria
4Department of Social Studies, Abia State College of Education Technical, Arochukwu, Nigeria
5Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Uyo, Nigeria
Abstract
This study on the knowledge and practice of routine medical check-up among self-employed commercial drivers in Abia State, Nigeria, was necessitated by the spate of accidents and the incongruences between the health and job demands of commercial drivers. The health belief model was used as a framework for this study, and cross-sectional survey research design was employed. A sample of 533 respondents were conveniently selected from self-employed commercial drivers operating in Okigwe Motor Park Umuahia, Main Park Aba, and Abia State University Motor Park Uturu. Questionnaires were researcher-administered, and data were analysed in accordance with the chi-square statistical test. The study found that knowledge regarding routine medical check-up and awareness concerning the benefits derived from routine medical check-ups do not considerably relate among self-employed commercial drivers as chi-square test value have revealed (χ² = 4.381 df = 2 p = 0.112). On the other hand, chi-square value indicates a statistically meaningful relationship between income level and access to routine medical check-ups (χ² = 87.46 df = 1 p < 0.000). The study recommends that; transport workers unions should seek ways to establish health insurance programs that subsidize routine medical check-ups. Additionally, concerned transport unions should conduct regular sensitization events on the benefits of routine medical check-ups in accident prevention.
Keywords: Self-employed drivers, medical check-up, self-medication, income level, fatalism