Perception and Determinants of Uptake of Preventive Health Services among the Staff of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State

Abstract

Background: The rising burden of chronic non-communicable diseases in Nigeria makes the need for preventive health services (PHS) imperative. Thus, this study assessed the perception and determinants of uptake of preventive health services among the staff of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was employed. Two hundred and ninety academic and non-academic staff of the university were enrolled in the study, using a stratified random sampling technique. The sample size was proportionally allocated to various subunits in the institution. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Determinants of uptake of PHS were assessed using binary logistic regression. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.
Results: The majority of the respondents, 280 (96.6%) had good perceptions of PHS, and 176 (60.7%) reported barriers in access to PHS. Although a majority of the respondents, 268 (92.4%) had positive attitudes towards PHS, most of the respondents 196 (67.6%) had poor uptake. Common barriers to uptake of PHS were availability and affordability of the services, time constraints, and interference with other activities. Being an academic staff (p = 0.001) and presence of chronic illness (p = 0.043) were significant determinants of PHS uptake.
Conclusion: Uptake of PHS was poor among majority of the respondents despite their good perception of the services. This may be linked to the perceived barriers to access. Thus, there is a need for policy formulation and provision of an enabling environment by the University’s authority for ease of access to PHS.