AN ASSESSMENT OF THE FACTORS AFFECTING UTILIZATION OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICES IN IGABI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE.

Abu, I.J.*, Mamman, M. Laah, J.G. and Joshua, S.

This paper is examines the factors affecting utilization of primary health care services in Igabi local government area of Kaduna State. Data were obtained from hospital and financial records, Focus Group Discussions, in-depth interviews and the purposive administration of 435 copies questionnaires. The results show that 47.8% of respondents claimed to have never utilized PHCS. Out of 265 female respondents 48.3% utilized maternal services during pregnancy and child birth only with the permission of their husbands/mother in-laws. Also, long waiting time on consultation with doctors affects their decisions to seek for PHCS. Although 83% held that there are drugs at the PHC centres, these drugs are expensive and not easily affordable. The paper also reveals that the quality of treatment at PHC centres is good, however 52.9% held that distance to PHC centres from homes affect their decisions to seek PHCS. Financial allocation by the government to the health sector is inadequate, while community participation in PHC development is low. The rank correlation test shows that there are significant relationship between the background variables and PHCS utilization. Based on the findings it is recommended that health policies at the grassroots should respect people’s cultures and traditions so as to promote acceptance; Preventive and curative medicine, and poverty alleviation should top government priority. Public enlightenment and mobilization campaign should be expanded through the mass media.

Key words: Primary health care services, health care centres, alternative care, mortality, Igabi.