Factors affecting utilization of University health services in a tertiary institution in South‑West Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Most university health services have extensive health infrastructures, for the provision of effective and efficient health services to the students. In this study, we have tried to determine student’s perception of factors affecting their utilization.
Objective: To determine students’ perception of health care services provided in a tertiary institution and assess students’ attitude towards utilization.
Materials and Methods: Simple random sampling technique was used to select 540 respondents, comprising of 390 males and 150 females. A structured and self‑administered questionnaire was the instrument used to collect data for the study, while data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency count and percentage.
Results: High cost of drugs (72.0%), non availability of essential drugs (54.8%), time spent waiting for treatment (67.2%), inadequate referral services (81.7%), and satisfaction with services (60.6%) were considered by the respondents as factors affecting the utilization of university health services. Students‑medical staff relationship and accessibility to health facility (77.6% and 74.3% respectively) were, however, not considered as factors that affect utilization of university health services.
Conclusion: It is recommended that to improve utilization and cost of care, government should make necessary efforts to incorporate tertiary institution into National Health Insurance scheme so that students above the age of 18 years can benefit from free treatment.

Keywords: Health services, health workers, South West Nigeria, tertiary institution, utilization

Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice • Oct-Dec 2013 • Vol 16 • Issue 4