Adenuga Emmanuel Akinyemi* and Adebanjo Adedoyin Adewale**
* Dept. of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Olabisi Onabanjo University,
Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State
**Science and Technology Dept., Olabisi Onabanjo University,
Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State
Abstract
This study examined factors influencing the preference between virtual and inpatient doctor visits among adults in the Ijebu North Local Government Area, Nigeria. The study employed a descriptive survey of 550 adults, selected through multistage sampling procedure. Four research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using t-test, chi-square, and regression. The mean range of the variables 5.43 (0.07) – 7.85 (0.23) indicated demographic characteristic of adults post preference on doctor visits and the purpose of visit in the study location. The result further indicated that there was link between personality-based factors and the preference among adults (R=.768a, multiple R2.589, Adj R2 = .588). Based on this, the study concluded that both personality-based factors (trust, privacy concerns, tech-savviness, and self-efficacy) and demographic elements (age, education, and location) significantly influenced adults’ choices between virtual and inpatient doctor visit. In view of the findings, it is therefore recommended that healthcare planners and providers should consider utilization of hybrid model that combines virtual and inpatient services, as well as allowing patients to choose based on convenience, health condition, and personal preferences among others.