A MIXED-METHODS STUDY OF COMMUNITY-BASED HEALTH INTERVENTIONS AND UTILISATION OF CHILDHOOD HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN SOUTHERN SENATORIAL ZONE, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Authors

Emmanuel Ameh Otache Department of Sociology, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
Nwamaka Esther Ameh Compliance Department, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, Jos, Nigeria
Deshi Lucy Zingak Humanitarian Department, Arise and Walk Christian Ministry, Jos, Nigeria
Nannyi Zittas Oniwinde Vital Registration Department, National Population Commission, Jos, Nigeria

Community-Based Health, Childhood Healthcare Services, Rural Health, Plateau State, Primary Health Care (PHC)

Utilisation of childhood healthcare services remains low in many communities

around the globe. This is particularly true for many low-income countries, including Nigeria,

contributing to poor child health outcomes. This study explores the potential of community-based

solutions to enhance access and service uptake in the Southern Senatorial Zone of Plateau State,

Nigeria. A mixed-methods approach was adopted. Quantitative data were collected from 384

respondents using structured questionnaires, while qualitative insights were drawn from key

informant interviews (KIIs) with healthcare workers, community leaders, women’s group leaders,

and NGO representatives. The study was guided by Andersen’s Behavioural Model, the Social

Ecological Model, Community Empowerment Theory, and the Diffusion of Innovations Theory.

Findings show that 85.9% of respondents had neither contributed to nor benefited from

community-based healthcare financing initiatives. Existing interventions, such as immunisation

and nutrition education, face challenges including poor infrastructure, inadequate funding, and a

shortage of trained personnel. Traditional and religious leaders play a crucial role in promoting

healthcare awareness; however, persistent barriers, including poor road access, electricity

shortages, insecurity, and household poverty, limit its utilisation. Community-driven strategies

supported by local ownership and responsive health systems can improve childhood healthcare

service uptake. Recommendations include strengthening community health insurance schemes,

leveraging mobile health technologies, improving infrastructure, training and incentivising health

workers, and fostering continuous community engagement. Achieving sustainable outcomes will

require multi-sectoral collaboration, aligned policies, and context-specific implementation rooted

in community realities.