Abstract

Dr. Abodunrin Olugbemiga Lanre*, Akingbala Elizabeth Omowunmi, Jegede Solomon Oluwatobi, Babatunde Olaniyan Akintunde and Akande Roseline Oluyemisi

ABSTRACT

Background: The evidence of awareness of public health facilities in rendering qualitative healthcare services has been observed and documented in recent years, but the same cannot be said for its utilization rates. This study therefore aimed to assess the pattern of utilization and methods of payment for health services among residents of Oyo State, Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: This descriptive cross sectional study was carried out among selected residents of Ibadan North Local Government Area in Oyo State, Nigeria. Four hundred and twenty respondents were selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using pre-tested semi-structured and self administered questionnaire, analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Results: All the respondents were aware of various facilities, still majority 260 (68.1%) did not use PHCs during illness while private hospital had 250 (65%) patronage during illness. Majority 362 (94.8%) used pharmacy store as their facility for treatment. About 145(38%) still used TBAs for deliveries. Majority 333(87.4%) used out of pocket method for payment of services consumed. Reasons given for various responses were drug availability 324(89.5%), availability of doctors 187 (74.0%) and flexibility payment method 81(55.9%). Conclusion: The study concluded that the level of patronage of pharmacy stores and private hospitals were higher than the public health facilities. Quite a number of respondents also patronized TBAs. It is therefore recommended that government should create awareness and intensify effort to recruit more health workers. Enumeration of the existing ones and equipping PHCs will significantly reverse the ugly trend of high patronage of Traditional Birth Attendants so as to ensure qualitative service delivery. There is a need for more enrolment into health insurance scheme to avoid catastrophic spending on health.