A77 Analysis of transportation and accessibility of rural dwellers in utilizing primary health services in Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Background The socio-cultural and economic landscapes of Nigeria is characterised by diversity and heterogeneity. There are many indigenous ethnic groups and enormous ecological and agricultural variations across the nation. The main feature of the country’s population is that a larger proportion of the people live in the rural areas which are characterised by a high degree of poverty, thus making them a stagnant sector and forgotten majority. The poor condition of the infrastructure facilities hampers communication and transportation and creates uneven ability and access to goods and services including health service in the rural areas of Nigeria. This Study examines the transportation and accessibility challenges facing the rural dwellers in utilising the primary health services in Nigeria. Methods The study was carried out in Ijebu North East local government area of Ogun state Nigeria, with 10 political wards and the method of investigation for this study involved using both primary and secondary data. A reconnaissance survey of the study area was carried out for close observation of spatial development, transport infrastructures and location of the 12 primary health centres and 5 health posts. Structured questionnaires were administered on 50 respondents in each of the wards using cluster sampling approach, and 310 were returned. The collected data were analysed using the statistical package for social science while frequencies, percent and standard deviations were adopted as well as Spearman’s coefficient of correlation and multivariate regression Results The results of multivariate regression indicate the variables of non- availability of drugs, long waiting time to see doctor and medical personnel, cost of service rendered, distance to cover to health centre, cost of transportation, inadequate medical personnel, time spent on trips to hospital, income of the patient, prompt availability and affordability of service rendered as the main factors affecting the utilisation of primary health services in Nigeria rural areas. Conclusions To maximise the impact of health for all concept, there must be an improvement in the provision of transport infrastructure and services in all the rural areas of the country. They must be made accessible while health services must be made accessible and available irrespective of the socio-economic background of the people.