Perception and Utilization of University Healthcare Services by Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Healthcare facility on university campuses is not a new concept but there is little evidence surrounding the effectiveness and adaptability of services provided to students by clinics or healthcare facilities located on campus. Also, there is the issue of students not utilizing the services of such facilities. This research was borne out of the latter observation by the researchers. The study specifically investigated utilization of the Niger Delta University Sick Bay by students and the health conditions that make students use the Sick Bay, their satisfaction with services hindered, and their general perception of the Sick Bay. Hundred to four hundred level students of Health Education programme of the 2021/2022 academic session willingly consented to be involved in the study. The sample size was 142 students which comprises all the 100 Level through 400 Level students of Health Education programme. Questionnaire titled: Students’ Perception and Utilization of NDU Sick Bay (SPUNSB) with a reliability coefficient of 0.82 using Cronbach’s Alpha was used to elicit participants’ responses and were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22. Data were collected in April 2023. The result showed that greater number of the respondents indicated that, they were not satisfied with the services they got from the Sick Bay, though for various reasons; this response is a cause for concern. The University Sick Bay which should serve as a primary health centre for the University community should be able to provide services that should satisfy the people and make them want to return to it again and again as the need arises; not to leave the people it is supposed to serve with bitter taste in their mouth that will make them seek for alternate services elsewhere. The authors recommended that the Sick Bay should improve on their services to the students by having enough medication and a cordial staff/students’ relationship.