Perception and Factors Affecting Utilization of Healthcare Services in Uselu Community, Edo-State, Nigeria

Proper utilization of health services betters the health status of a given population. Socio-economic factors affect access and utilization of health services as availability of health facilities alone is not enough to ensure its use. This descriptive cross-sectional study assessed the perceptions and factors affecting the utilization of health services in Uselu Community, Edo-State, Nigeria. Data was obtained through a structured questionnaire administered to 250 adult respondents in the community using random sampling method. 120 (48%) adult respondents utilized UBTH health facility. There was statistical significant association in the utilization of health services with regard to location (p=6.64, calculated value=6.315) and ethnicity (p=6.64, calculated value=21.38). The utilization of UBTH (Tertiary) health facility was fair compared to other forms of available healthcare services, the community's perception of high cost of services rendered and long waiting time were identified barriers to satisfactory use of tertiary health services. These identified factors affecting access to effective use of UBTH Healthcare services in Uselu community should be tackled by the appropriate local, state and federal government health authority.

Services, Utilization, Healthcare, Community, Perception

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