Social and non-social factors influencing access to healthcare in ekiti and kogi states of Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined social and non-social factors affecting healthcare access in Ekiti and Kogi States of Nigeria. These two States represent a cultural plurality of Nigeria. Ekiti State is homogeneously Yoruba while Kogi State is heterogeneous home to at least five ethnic groups. The study adopts a descriptive research design using a quantitative method to conduct a comparative study between Ekiti and Kogi States. The study population involves all adults 18 years and above who are aware to engage in health-seekingbehaviour. The sample size for this study is eight hundred and fifty-six (856) respondents. Multi-stage sampling techniques were adopted in selecting the respondents for the study. Analysis was done using a special package social sciences (SPSS version 21) and it is presented in frequency percentage. Findings show that Kogi State has more female respondents. While Ekiti State has more respondents having above secondary school education. Kogi State also has more respondents with diverse ethnic identities and engaged in self-employed occupations. About 30% of Kogi State respondents were either widowed or divorced. Income level did not show a significant difference. Analysis of social factors of healthcare access indicated that level of education, ethnic identity, type of education, marital status and religion had a significant influence on access to healthcare. Findings on the social factors showa more significant influence in Ekiti State than Kogi State. Also, waiting time, health personnel shortage and frequent strikes were the most significant non-social factors of healthcare access in Ekiti State. In Kogi State, availability of health facilities, personnel shortage and waiting time were the most significant non-social factors of healthcare access. It was concluded that educational status and quality of health personnel are significant predictors of healthcare access. In Kogi State, the physical availability of health facilities is equally a unique non-social factor. As a result, the study recommends that Government should establish additional modern healthcare institutions to make healthcare accessibility easier for the users, and Professional staff should be recruited to various healthcare institutions to avoid patient delay and poor service delivery.