ACCESS AND UTILIZATION OF HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN WUSHISHI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the access to and utilization of healthcare services in the Wushishi Local Government Area of Niger State. The need for this study arises from the observed decline in vital health indicators across the state. Data were collected from both the primary and secondary sources. Primary data were gathered through questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGDs), whereas secondary data were obtained from the Niger State Ministry of Health and the National Population Commission. The Sabon Gari (urban) and Maito (rural) wards were purposively selected for this study. Four hundred questionnaires were distributed, and two FGDs were conducted separately with male and female participants in each ward, using availability sampling. The findings revealed that all four types of healthcare providers-traditional, religious, modern public, and modern private-were present and accepted by residents. However, traditional and religious healthcare services are more accessible and affordable, making them the first choice for many, particularly chronic, orthopedic, and mental health conditions. By contrast, modern public and private healthcare facilities are mostly used for surgical procedures, communicable diseases, maternity care, and common illnesses. Modern private facilities are preferred because of their better quality of care, prompt service, easy access to healthcare personnel, and treatment-before-payment options, unlike the modern public sector, which faces numerous service delivery challenges. The study recommends that the government improve healthcare infrastructure by providing modern medical equipment, employing adequate healthcare personnel, ensuring affordable treatment, reducing patient wait times, and operating healthcare facilities 24h daily to improve accessibility and service delivery in both urban and rural communities.