Socio-economic determinants of demand for healthcare utilization in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State Nigeria

Abstract

Quality health is socially and economically beneficial as a healthy population is more productive at work. Also, healthy infants develop and perform better in learning and cognitive ability, thus, becoming productive adults in the future. A healthy population contributes to a great extent to the development and growth of the economy. However, the costs of demand for healthcare and the socio-economic conditions of the masses may constitute major impediments to the healthcare demand of the populace. In the light of this, the paper investigates the perceived socioeconomic push factors that determine healthcare demand in Nsukka local government metropolises. Specifically, the paper interrogates the differences in the healthcare demand by people of different age groups, educational attainment, and income levels in Nsukka Metropolis. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA were used in data analyses. The variables of interest included visits to the hospital for regular medical checkups, completion of medication, choice of hospital, use of treated insecticidal nets, response when sick, and nature of treatment sought when sick. Findings show that income and age significantly influence healthcare demand in the Nsukka metropolis. Elderly people were found to be more conscious of their health, and as a result, have the highest percentage of healthcare demand. The paper finds that people of higher income levels demand more healthcare than those in lower-income groups. There is a slight difference in the healthcare demand by people of different educational backgrounds since the majority of them misuse drugs, practice self-medication, and neglect regular medical checkups.