Factors Influencing the Use of Primary Healthcare in Kaduna: A Case Study of Sabo Ugwan Sunday, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna
Chapter One
Objectives of the Study
This study aimed to achieve the following objectives:
- To assess the socioeconomic factors influencing the utilization of primary healthcare services in Sabo Ugwan Sunday, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna.
- To examine the geographical accessibility of primary healthcare facilities and its impact on utilization in the study area.
- To evaluate the quality of primary healthcare services and its association with utilization patterns among residents.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Conceptual Review
Primary Healthcare
Primary healthcare serves as the cornerstone of healthcare systems worldwide, providing essential and accessible healthcare services to individuals and communities (WHO & UNICEF, 2018). Rooted in the Alma-Ata Declaration of 1978, primary healthcare emphasizes the importance of equitable healthcare access, community participation, and a comprehensive approach to health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation (Alenoghena et al., 2022). It embodies the fundamental principles of universality, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability, aiming to meet the health needs of individuals and populations throughout their lives.
At its core, primary healthcare aims to address the immediate health needs of individuals and communities while also focusing on the underlying determinants of health (Obionu, 2020). By adopting a holistic and integrated approach, primary healthcare seeks to promote health and well-being, prevent diseases and injuries, and manage chronic conditions effectively. It encompasses a wide range of services, including preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative care, delivered through a network of healthcare providers, facilities, and community resources (Adam & Nwaogwugwu, 2020).
Primary healthcare plays a crucial role in promoting health equity and social justice by ensuring that essential healthcare services are available and accessible to all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status, geographical location, or cultural background (Aliyu et al., 2020). It serves as the first point of contact with the healthcare system for individuals and families, providing timely and cost-effective care close to where people live and work. By addressing health needs at the community level, primary healthcare can reduce health disparities, improve health outcomes, and enhance overall quality of life.
Moreover, primary healthcare serves as a vital platform for achieving universal health coverage (UHC), a key priority in global health agendas (ODPHP, 2020). By focusing on preventive and primary care services, primary healthcare can contribute to reducing healthcare costs, minimizing the burden of preventable diseases, and improving health system efficiency. It also facilitates the early detection and management of health conditions, reducing the need for expensive and specialized care services.
In addition to its clinical functions, primary healthcare plays a crucial role in empowering individuals and communities to take control of their health and well-being (AHRQ, 2020). Through health education, promotion, and community engagement initiatives, primary healthcare providers can equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to make informed decisions about their health and adopt healthy behaviours. By fostering partnerships with community organizations, schools, and other stakeholders, primary healthcare can create supportive environments that promote health and prevent diseases.
Furthermore, primary healthcare contributes to the sustainability of healthcare systems by promoting efficient resource allocation, optimizing health workforce capacity, and improving health system resilience (World Bank, 2021). By focusing on prevention, early intervention, and comprehensive care, primary healthcare can reduce the burden on secondary and tertiary care facilities, allowing them to focus on more complex and specialized services. This can lead to improved health system performance, increased patient satisfaction, and better health outcomes for individuals and populations.
Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Healthcare Utilization
Socioeconomic factors exert a profound influence on healthcare utilization patterns, shaping individuals’ access to and use of healthcare services (Abdullah et al., 2022). Income level is a critical determinant, with lower-income individuals often facing greater barriers to accessing healthcare due to financial constraints (Egbewale & Odu, 2023). Lack of health insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses can deter individuals from seeking needed care, particularly for preventive and non-emergency services, leading to disparities in healthcare utilization based on socioeconomic status.
Moreover, educational attainment plays a significant role in healthcare utilization, with higher levels of education generally associated with better health-seeking behaviour and healthcare utilization (National Population Commission & ICF International, 2019). Individuals with higher education levels tend to have greater health literacy, enabling them to navigate the healthcare system more effectively, understand preventive measures, and make informed healthcare decisions. Conversely, lower educational attainment is often associated with limited health literacy, leading to delays in seeking care and lower utilization rates.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Design
A survey research design was chosen for this study (Bell, 2022). Surveys enable the collection of quantitative data from a large sample of respondents, providing insights into their perceptions and behaviours regarding healthcare utilization. This design was justified as it allowed for the systematic collection of data from a representative sample, facilitating the generalization of findings to the broader population.
Population of the Study
The target population for this study comprised residents of Sabo Ugwan Sunday, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna (Charan & Biswas, 2019). The justification for selecting this population of 1200 respondents was based on the need to capture a diverse range of perspectives and experiences regarding primary healthcare utilization in the area.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
Data Presentation
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary of Findings
The study aimed to investigate the factors influencing the utilization of primary healthcare services in Sabo Ugwan Sunday, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna. Through comprehensive data collection and analysis, several key findings emerged, shedding light on the complex dynamics shaping healthcare access and utilization in the study area.
Socioeconomic status emerged as a significant determinant of healthcare utilization, with individuals from higher socioeconomic backgrounds exhibiting greater engagement with primary healthcare facilities. This finding underscores the role of income level, educational attainment, and occupation in shaping healthcare-seeking behaviours. Addressing disparities in socioeconomic status is crucial for promoting equitable access to healthcare services and reducing health inequalities within the community.
Geographical accessibility emerged as another critical factor influencing healthcare utilization. Proximity to healthcare facilities significantly impacted individuals’ likelihood of seeking healthcare services, highlighting the importance of infrastructure and transportation networks in facilitating access to care. Improving geographical accessibility through the establishment of additional clinics and mobile health units could enhance healthcare utilization rates and improve health outcomes among underserved populations.
Moreover, the perceived quality of healthcare services played a vital role in shaping utilization patterns among residents. Individuals who perceived healthcare services to be of higher quality were more likely to utilize them, emphasizing the importance of patient-centred care and service excellence. Investments in healthcare infrastructure, staff training, and equipment are essential for enhancing service quality and promoting patient satisfaction, ultimately increasing healthcare utilization rates.
Additionally, employment status and access to health insurance coverage were identified as significant determinants of healthcare utilization. Individuals with stable employment and health insurance coverage exhibited higher rates of healthcare utilization due to financial security and comprehensive healthcare benefits. Addressing gaps in health insurance coverage and supporting employment opportunities could help mitigate financial barriers and improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations.
Overall, the findings underscore the multifaceted nature of healthcare utilization and the need for comprehensive strategies to address the underlying determinants. By understanding the interplay of socioeconomic, geographical, and healthcare system factors, policymakers, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders can develop targeted interventions to enhance healthcare access and utilization, ultimately improving health outcomes and well-being in Sabo Ugwan Sunday, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna. However, further research is needed to explore additional determinants of healthcare utilization and assess the effectiveness of intervention strategies in addressing disparities and improving access to primary healthcare services.
Conclusion
The findings from the hypotheses tested in this study provide valuable insights into the factors influencing the utilization of primary healthcare services in Sabo Ugwan Sunday, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna. The results indicate that socioeconomic status, geographical accessibility, and perceived quality of healthcare services significantly impact healthcare utilization patterns among residents. Individuals with higher socioeconomic status, better geographical accessibility to healthcare facilities, and positive perceptions of service quality are more likely to utilize primary healthcare services. Moreover, employment status and access to health insurance coverage emerged as important determinants of healthcare utilization, highlighting the role of financial security in facilitating access to care. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions aimed at addressing disparities in socioeconomic status, improving infrastructure and transportation networks, enhancing service quality, and expanding health insurance coverage to promote equitable access to healthcare services. By addressing these key determinants, policymakers and healthcare providers can work towards improving healthcare utilization rates and ultimately enhancing health outcomes in the study area.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, several recommendations can be proposed to improve the utilization of primary healthcare services in Sabo Ugwan Sunday, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna:
- Enhance infrastructure and accessibility: Invest in improving road infrastructure and transportation networks to facilitate easier access to primary healthcare facilities, especially in remote and underserved areas. This could involve constructing new roads, upgrading existing ones, and establishing public transportation options.
- Strengthen primary healthcare facilities: Allocate resources to upgrade and equip primary healthcare centres with necessary medical equipment, diagnostic tools, and medication supplies. Additionally, ensure that healthcare facilities maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene to enhance patient satisfaction and trust.
- Promote community awareness: Launch public health campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of utilizing primary healthcare services for preventive care and early intervention. Educate residents about available services, eligibility criteria for health insurance coverage, and the benefits of seeking timely medical attention.
- Improve service quality: Train healthcare staff to enhance their responsiveness, empathy, and communication skills when interacting with patients. Foster a patient-centred approach to care delivery that prioritizes patient comfort, dignity, and respect.
- Address socioeconomic disparities: Implement policies aimed at reducing socioeconomic inequalities that hinder healthcare access. Provide financial assistance programs, subsidies, or sliding-scale fees for low-income individuals to ensure the affordability of healthcare services.
- Strengthen health insurance coverage: Expand access to health insurance schemes and promote enrollment among eligible individuals, including the unemployed and vulnerable populations. Collaborate with insurance providers to develop affordable and comprehensive coverage options tailored to the needs of the local community.
References
- Abdullah A, Margo BH, Jamal Q, Wasileh P, Madi J. et. al. (2022). A cross-sectional study to examine factors associated with primary health care service utilization among older adults in the Irbid Governorate of Jordan. Current Gerontology and Geriatrics Research, 7, 3. DOI: 10.1155/2014/735235.
- Adam VY, Awunor NS. (2022). Perceptions and factors affecting utilization of health services in a rural community in Southern Nigeria. Journal of Medicine and Biomedical Research, 13(2), 117-124.
- Adam VY, Nwaogwugwu JC. (2020). Availability of personnel, facilities and services in Primary Health Care Centres in a Local Government Area in Benin City, Nigeria. Annals of Clinical and Biomedical Research, 1(1), 29-33. https://doi.org/10.4081/acbr.2020.111
- Adebayo AM, Asuzu MC. (2021). Utilization of a community-based health facility in a low-income urban community in Ibadan, Nigeria. African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine, 7(1), Art. #735, 8 pages. http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/phcfm.v7i1.735
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). (2020). National Healthcare Disparities Report 2020. Chapter 3, Access to Healthcare. Washington: AHRQ. Available from: [http://www.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/wy swag/research/findings/harder/nhdr08/n hdr08.pdf](http://www.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/wy sewing/research/findings/harder/nhdr08/n hdr08.pdf)
- Ahmad AH, Koya MM, Said AS, & Adam RA. (2019). Factors influencing the utilization of public primary health care facilities in Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria. International Journal of Development and Management Review, 14(1), 54-65.
