Health care in a rural community in Abia state:

Abstract

Context: The issue of health seeking of citizens of a developing country like Nigeria is vital as it directs health policy formulation and resource allocation especially to rural communities where greater populations live. This study evaluates places where residents of a rural community go for health care when ill or utilize for childbirth.
Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in Lohum-Imenyi community in Bende Local Government area of Abia State in December 2012 to determine places of health care and determinants of utilization of government health care facilities. Semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaires were administered to 350 respondents who consented to participate in the study. Data was entered and analysed using SPSS version 17 soft ware.
Results: According to the finding, (57.4%) of the respondents utilized traditional birth attendants, (29.4%) Government owned health centers, (7.4%) private clinics, (5.4%) traditionalists while (0.3%) went to chemists. There was statistical significant difference between utilization of Government owned health centers and socio-demographic characteristics as age, sex, marital status, level of education and occupation.
Conclusion/Recommendations: Choice of health care in rural communities is affected by varying factors including low socio-economic status and the type of health care facility available in the community. The study recommends public enlightenment on the need to seek proper health care in health facilities equipped with health professional trained to deliver health care. Education of the girlchild is important in decisions affecting utilization of health care facility. Health facilities in rural communities should be equipped as much as those in the urban areas and incentives increased for health professionals that live in these communities.

Keywords: Health seeking, rural dwellers, utilization, Health care services