Assessing Utilisation of Primary Health Care Services in Essien Udim, Nigeria: Pinpointing Determinants and Implications
Journal Title: Scholars Journal of Applied Medical Sciences - Year 2018, Vol 6, Issue 3
Abstract
Abstract: Good health is a key inalienable right of all Nigerian citizens but, guaranteeing this right often comes short. This is underscored by Nigeria’s health indices that have remained below global standards. The level of utilisation of Primary Health Care (PHC) services, particularly in rural areas is increasingly being suggested could be partly responsible. This study was aimed to assess determinants of utilisation of PHC services in Essien Udim, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to elicit information from 460 adult respondents in the community and 35 health workers. A semi-structured questionnaire and review of patient/client records were used to obtain information on utilisation of PHC services. Findings showed that only 23.3% of respondents utilized PHC services in the last one year with more females 83 (77.6%) utilizing these services compared to males 24 (22.4%). Respondents that did not utilised 353 (76.7%), first contact for health needs was patent medicine vendors (58.9%), followed by traditional healers (25.8%). There was marginal but progressive increase in trend of PHC services utilisation from 2010-2013 with antenatal care (ANC) and preventive health most sought PHC services as indicated in reviewed patient/client records. Fees charged 241 (52.4%) and waiting time 307 (66.7%) were the predominant factors limiting PHC services utilisation from community perspective; whereas low staff strength (94.3%), ignorance of available services (80%) and cost of services (77.1%) were factors for Healthcare providers. Gender (p=0.035) was statistically significantly associated with utilisation but age (p=0.905) and educational level (p=0.209) were not. Results suggest that health needs of majority of the people are delivered by unskilled personnel with implications on quality of care provided. Intricately related to this with the high demand for ANC services, is probable effects on infectious diseases control as ANC is entry point for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS. Improving the staffing needs for health services will reduce the client-staff ratio and waiting-time for services. Subsidizing services may impact positively on PHC services utilisation.
Authors and Affiliations
Iniobong Boniface WILLIAMS, Regina Idu EJEMOT-NWADIARO
Keywords
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