Identification of the Types of Healthcare Services Available to Individuals in Various Communities in Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

Primary health care (PHC) is the backbone of a health system. It refers to “essential healthcare” that is based on scientifically sound and appropriate technology. PHC is the initial point of contact with the health care system for most Nigerians. This study assessed the available services within the PHCs in Abia State, Nigeria. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional and observational survey designs to achieve the objectives. A semi-structured questionnaire which was self-administered was used to collect information from 486 healthcare providers in the selected PHCs across the zones. A validated checklist was used to determine the functionality of the PHCs. Data were cleaned, coded, and entered into SPSS, version 26, which was used for the analysis and categorical variables were summarized using frequencies and proportions. Association was tested at p-value <0.05. Findings from the study showed that some healthcare facilities such as child survival strategy and sick child consultation were available and statistically significant, p-<0.05. Some healthcare facilities such as intra- uterine device (IUD) insertion kit and toilet facilities were in use and statistically significant, p<0.05. Several intervention services were available such as immunizations, dietary supplements, growth monitory, family planning services and control of communicable diseases (Malaria, TB, HIV/AIDS), p- >0.05. Facilities such as light microscope and centrifuge were available but non-functional. Obstetric facilities were available but not in all the zones. However, there were no functional ambulance services in the PHCs studied.