Awareness and Utilization of Community-based health insurance schemes among residents of Rumuokwurusi, Obio/Akpor LGA, Rivers State

Abstract

Community-based health insurance (CBHI) in a developing country such as ours aims at achieving universal health coverage, especially for those not financially capable of footing out-of-pocket medical bills. CBHI schemes can help communities manage healthcare costs and provide access to basic healthcare for rural settlers. This study aimed at assessing the awareness and utilisation of CBHI schemes in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA), Rivers State, Nigeria.This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, employing the multistage probability sampling technique to select participants for the study. Semi-structured interview-er-administered questionnaires were de-signed for obtaining information from 250 respondents on the title. Data were analyzed on Excel spreadsheets, having been extrapolated from Google Forms, and results presented in frequency tables. The p-value was set at <0.05 where Chi-square was necessary.Of the 250 respondents, 114 (45.6%) were aware of community-based health insurance, but only 86 (34.4%) were acquainted with the existence of Community-based health insurance schemes in Obio/Akpor LGA. Only 26 (10.4%) utilized Community-based Health Insurance Schemes.Awareness and utilization of CBHI schemes in our study area are very low. Recommended strategies need to be addressed urgently to improve equity in access to health care services as well as effective financial risk protection.