DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH CARE UTILIZATION IN KWARASTATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Health care, like shelter, clothing and food, constitutes an important basic need for the survival of mankind. This
explains why every citizen must enjoy quality and affordable health care. The main objective in this study is to
examine the major factors that determine the utilization of health care facilities in Kwara State, Nigeria. We
employed primary data that were generated through the administration of questionnaire and Focus Group
Discussion (FGD). A sample size of 1,280 respondents was drawn through multi-stage sampling technique. The
study employs descriptive and inferential analysis (logit regression analysis) for the analysis of the data. The
findings from the study show that the respondents differed in the factors that determined their choice of health care
facilities; and age, education, marital status, income level, means of transportation and attitude of the health
personnel are significant factors that determine the use of health care facilities in Kwara State. Consequently, the
study recommended that mass education should be intensified on the essence of utilization of appropriate health
care facilities for both prevention and cure and national policies be strengthened by expanding the NHIS program
to include all sectors of the society.