Perceptions and Factors affecting Utilization of Primary Health Care Services in a predominantly Urban Community in South-South Nigeria

Background: Primary Health Care is the cornerstone of a sustainable national health system for the attainment of universal health  coverage. There is poor demand for health services at the primary level of care. This study assessed the perceptions and factors affecting  the utilization of primary health care services in a predominantly urban community in South-South Nigeria. Methods: This descriptive  cross-sectional study was done in Egor, Benin City, Southern Nigeria. A structured, and interviewer administered questionnaire was  distributed to 371 heads of household who were selected using multistage sampling method. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS  version 25. Results: Majority of the respondents were males 191 (51.6%). More than half, 195 (52.5%) were in the age group of 35-49  years. Less than half, 171 (46.1%)of the respondents had utilized primary health care services. Only, 42 (24.6%) perceived the services  utilized were satisfactory. Immunization, 45 (26.3%), child, 39 (22.8%) and maternal, 32 (18.7%) health care services were the most utilized.  Sex (OR = 0.599; CI = 0.38-0.94, p = 0.027), religion (OR = 2.246; CI = 1.066-4.735, p = 0.033), and occupation (OR = 2.437; CI =  1.106-5.367, p = 0.027) were factors associated with the utilization of health services in the study locale. Conclusions: The utilization of the  primary health care services was low, and the perception of services utilized was not satisfactory. The Local Government Health  Authority needs to strengthen the primary health care system. Also, improved community engagement and participation could enhance  health services access and uptake.