Access and Utilization of Healthcare in Rural Areas of Delta State Senatorial District, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines healthcare utilization and access across rural communities in Delta State, Nigeria, encompassing the three senatorial districts of Delta North, Delta Central, and Delta South. Access to healthcare in these regions is constrained by structural, socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental factors. Employing a mixed-methods approach that integrates state-level health policies, empirical research, and national survey data, the study identifies major barriers to healthcare access, including inadequate healthcare infrastructure, financial hardship, cultural reliance on traditional medicine, and the environmental consequences of oil exploration. Findings reveal significant inter-district disparities, with riverine communities in Delta South facing the most severe challenges due to geographic isolation and environmental degradation. The study advances a series of policy recommendations to promote healthcare equity and utilization across the state. These include strengthening the Primary Health Care (PHC) system, expanding community-based health insurance schemes, providing incentives to attract and retain health workers in rural areas, integrating informal healthcare providers into formal systems, and mitigating environmental health risks. Overall, the research underscores the need for a comprehensive and context-sensitive policy framework that addresses the complex determinants of healthcare access in rural area of Delta State, thereby fostering inclusive and sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery.