GENDER DIFFERENCES AND HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOR AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

Health-seeking behavior is influenced by social, cultural, and psychological factors, with gender being a significant determinant. The main objective of this study is to identify the differences in health-seeking behavior (HSB) between male and female students at the University of Gujrat, Pakistan. Various demographic factors influence health-seeking behavior. The quantitative research approach was used in this study. A sample of 377 students, 182 Males and 195 females, was drawn using a Stratified random sampling technique. The data was collected using a self-structured questionnaire at 0.836 alpha value. Statistical results revealed that females (M=160.72, SD=23.63) scored significantly higher than males (M=155.17, SD=22.54) at the health-seeking behavior scale. The result of the Independent sample t-test indicated a statistically significant difference between genders (t (375) =-2.33, p=.020), with the mean difference of -5.55.  These findings suggest that female students are more proactive and responsive in health-seeking behavior than male students. Based on these findings, the study highlights the need for gender-sensitive health interventions and awareness programs to encourage both male and female students to engage in timely and appropriate health-seeking behavior.