Access to health care services in Nigeria: A case study of Imo State.

摘要

Several factors influence the health status and outcomes of any nation's population. Remarkable disparity also exists between the industrialized nations and the developing countries in terms of the health status and outcomes of their populations. The literature review indicates that much of that disparity has to do with scarcity of health care resources and inadequate access to health care services in these developing countries. These factors often tend to affect utilization patterns. This research investigated access to and utilization of health care services in the rural communities of Imo State in Nigeria. Drawing on a survey data of 400 households (48% males and 51 females), from 3 local government areas, and using descriptive statistical analysis, the findings revealed that although 68% of the respondents perceived access to medical care facilities, only 33.8% are satisfied with their source of care and an overwhelming 97% worry about their health status.