FACTORS INFLUENCING UNDERUTILIZATION OF GOVERNMENT OWNED HEALTH FACILITIES IN MBAUKWU COMMUNITY OF ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This research project examined factors influencing the underutilization of government owned health facilities in Mbaukwu community of Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria. The population of the study was 25,579 which is the population of persons aged eighteen (18) years old and above, who are resident in Mbaukwu community from whom the study sample was drawn. The sample size for this study was 200. Multi-stage sampling technique which incorporated cluster sampling technique was used to draw study participants. The instruments for data collection were participant observation, questionnaire and in-depth interview schedules. The data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study hypotheses were tested using Chi-square test statistics (x2). It was found that there is high rate of underutilisation of government owned health facilities in the community occasioned by preference of private clinics among other factors. The consequences of underutilization of government owned health facilities in the area include illness and loss of life, low income and reduced productivity. Based on the findings, it was recommended among other things that the government should allocate more funds to her health facilities as well as retain well trained and adequately remunerated health workers in the facilities as a way to motivate them to carry out their duties effectively and efficiently. The need for public enlightenment was also strongly emphasized.