ABSTRACT
Purpose: The choice of health facilities for healthcare by an individual is largely determined by several factors. This study aims to determine predictors of preferred choice of health facility for care. Methods: In a descriptive cross-sectional study; pre-tested semi-structure questionnaire was administered to 366 adults selected through a multi-stage sampling technique in Ilorin metropolis. Data collected were analysed using Epi Info software version 3.4.1 and level of significance set at p 0.05. Results: The preferred health facility for medical care was private hospitals (35.2) followed by pharmaceutical store (27.9) and 17.0for general/teaching hospitals and only 12.3for primary health care (PHC). Quick service and availability of drugs were the major reasons for their preference which were said to be better in private hospitals. Sex; marital status; educational status; occupation and city area where the respondents dwell are all associated with the preferred choice of health facility for care. Conclusion: This study has shown that the private sector is preferred to the public ones with regards to receiving healthcare and that within the public sector; the higher levels of health facilities are preferred to the primary health care centres. Improving the image and performance of the public health facilities especially the PHC is very important for appropriate utilization of health services
Subject(s)
Adult , Health Facilities , HospitalsABSTRACT
Introduction: In Nigeria; inequity and poor accessibility to quality health care has been a persistent problem. This study aimed to determine knowledge and attitude of civil servants in Osun state towards the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Methodology: This is a descriptive; cross sectional study of 380 civil servants in the employment of Osun state government; using multi stage sampling method. The research instruments was pre-coded; semi structured; self administered questionnaires. Results: About 60were aware of out of pocket as the most prevalent form of health care financing; while 40were aware of NHIS; television and billboards were their main sources of awareness; However; none had good knowledge of the components of NHIS; 26.7knew about its objectives; and 30knew about who ideally should benefit from the scheme. Personal spending still accounts for a high as 74.7of health care spending among respondents but respondents believed that this does not cover all their health needs. Only 0.3have so far benefited from NHIS while 199 (52.5) of respondents agreed to participate in the scheme. A significant association exists between willingness to participate in the NHIS scheme and awareness of methods of options of health care financing and awareness of NHIS (P0.05) Conclusion: Poor knowledge of the objectives and mechanism of operation of the NHIS scheme characterised the civil servants under study. The poor knowledge of the components and fair attitude towards joining the scheme observed in this study could be improved upon; if stakeholders in the scheme could carry out adequate awareness seminars targeted at the civil servants