Healthcare Financing and Health Outcome of Under-Five Children in Nigeria between 2010 -2023

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between healthcare financing and the health outcomes of under-five children in Nigeria between 2010 and 2023. Specifically, it analyzes the effects of public and private health expenditure, maternal education, immunization rates, access to clean water, and GDP per capita on child health outcomes, using under-five mortality as the primary indicator. Employing a regression analysis, the results reveal significant negative associations between under-five mortality and key variables, including public health expenditure (β₁ = -0.52, p = 0.000), private health expenditure (β₂ = -0.23, p = 0.135), maternal education (β₃ = -0.85, p = 0.001), immunization rates (β₄ = -1.12, p = 0.005), and access to clean water (β₅ = -0.42, p = 0.035). Additionally, GDP per capita (β₆ = -0.001, p = 0.012) was negatively correlated with child health outcomes, indicating that higher economic status does not necessarily translate into improved health outcomes for under-five children. The findings suggest that while healthcare financing, maternal education, immunization, and access to clean water are critical to reducing under-five mortality, the inefficiency in public healthcare spending and disparities in healthcare access remain challenges. This study underscores the need for improved allocation of healthcare funds, better targeting of resources, and policies that promote education and access to essential services for child health in Nigeria.