Availability and Access to Primary Health Care Services Among Residents of Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Primary healthcare utilization denotes the inclination of potential or prospective patients to make use of the services offered at primary healthcare facilities. However, availability and access to adequate healthcare has become an issue of concern especially at rural levels. This research therefore is aimed at assessing the availability and access to PHC services among residents of Ndokwa West LGA.

METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study approach was used in the investigation, which included 396 participants; a pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information from respondents. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 25.

RESULTS: The findings showed that the respondents were primarily men, married, and Ukwani, with a majority of 86.1% being natives. Over half (55.6%) had tertiary education, while 30.3% practiced non-manual skilled occupations. Most respondents were aware of primary healthcare centres in their communities, with 89.9% stating they were available, functional and had adequate equipment for patient care. The cost of services was affordable and convenient for most respondents, with 66.7% able to afford them. Most respondents could afford these services for their spouse and children, with 86.6% agreeing that monthly income was enough to cover medical expenses.

COCLUSION: The majority of respondents' residences were convenient, with personal vehicles being the most common means of transportation. It was recommended that the populace be sensitized more on the availability of primary health care centres and further research done to explore the discrepancies in the access to primary health care.