Abstract
BackgroundThe relationship between people’s perception and utilization of public health serviceswas investigated.MethodsA survey of 840 households across selected urban, peri urban and rural communities, in the Southeast of Nigeria, was conducted using the mixed methods approach.ResultsOf the nine (9) demographic variables, only the locality and status of the health system (strong or weak in terms of child immunization) was found to influence both the poor rating and utilization of public health services. Individuals from states with strong health system rated relatively higher and used public health services more (p < 0.001), than their counterparts from states with weak health care system. Similarly, those in the urban or peri-urban localities used public health services more (p = 0.013). The two perceptual variables significantly influence the rating and use of public health services. Those with a good perception of the quality of health service provided, rated and patronized them more (p < 0.001). Also, health centres that provide a high number of services enjoyed greater rating and patronage (p < 0.001 and p = 0.0524 respectively). The results of the structured questionnaire survey were confirmed by qualitative enquiry,based on in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.ConclusionsIt will be necessary to create a more responsive atmosphere in the health facilities, with culturally-sensitive and friendly health workers, and provision of affordable drug to improve the perceptions of the primary health care system, for it to succeed in providing health services for all.
Highlights
The relationship between people’s perception and utilization of public health serviceswas investigated
Poor access to health facilities and services was identified as a factor militating against efforts to address major health problems in Africa [8]
Gaps have been revealed between need and actual access to some critical health services [4]
Summary
The relationship between people’s perception and utilization of public health serviceswas investigated. The current realities indicate that the huge global and national investments aimed at effective health care. Onyeneho et al International Journal for Equity in Health (2016) 15:12 delivery have not yielded the desired results because of poor utilization and low access. Access implies effective and appropriate utilization of the interventions and services by the intended clientele. Sixty-one percent of mothers in Nigeria received antenatal care from a skilled provider. Of this proportion, only 51 % made at least four antenatal care visits during pregnancy. Only 51 % made at least four antenatal care visits during pregnancy This gives a 49 % point drop in utilization between the first and fourth usage. The third of diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus (DPT3) vaccine, used as proxy for vaccine utilization, recorded only 22.2 % use, whereas DPT1 was 26.7 %
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