Perception and utilization of public health services in Southeast Nigeria: Implication for health care in communities with different degrees of urbanization

International Journal for Equity in Health

Research

Obioma C. Nwaorgu¹  Joseph C. Okeibunor²  Nkechi G. Onyeneho³  Uche V. Amazigo⁴  Ngozi A. Njepuome⁵ 

[1] Department of Parasitology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria;Department of Sociology/Anthropology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria;Immunization, Vaccines and Emergencies, WHO Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo;Department of Sociology/Anthropology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria;Takemi Program in International Health, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H, Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA;P.O.Box 3397, Main Post Office, Okpara Avenue, Enugu, Nigeria;P.O.Box 7117, Wuse, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria;

关键词: Perception;    utilization;    health services;    Nigeria;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12939-016-0294-z

 received in 2015-09-10, accepted in 2016-01-05,  发布年份 2016

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThe relationship between people’s perception and utilization of public health serviceswas investigated.MethodsA survey of 840 households across selected urban, peri urban and rural communities, in the Southeast of Nigeria, was conducted using the mixed methods approach.ResultsOf the nine (9) demographic variables, only the locality and status of the health system (strong or weak in terms of child immunization) was found to influence both the poor rating and utilization of public health services. Individuals from states with strong health system rated relatively higher and used public health services more (p < 0.001), than their counterparts from states with weak health care system. Similarly, those in the urban or peri-urban localities used public health services more (p = 0.013). The two perceptual variables significantly influence the rating and use of public health services. Those with a good perception of the quality of health service provided, rated and patronized them more (p < 0.001). Also, health centres that provide a high number of services enjoyed greater rating and patronage (p < 0.001 and p = 0.0524 respectively). The results of the structured questionnaire survey were confirmed by qualitative enquiry,based on in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.ConclusionsIt will be necessary to create a more responsive atmosphere in the health facilities, with culturally-sensitive and friendly health workers, and provision of affordable drug to improve the perceptions of the primary health care system, for it to succeed in providing health services for all.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© Onyeneho et al. 2016